Turning Japanese

More big things to come for the Japanese Popstars! Ahead of the release of their hugely anticipated summer album, they’re teasing us with a host of originals and remixes over the coming months. First up is their track, ‘Ramp’, which is featured on John Digweed’s mega–label, Bedrock Records. Underground Sound Of Miami Compilation is out now, and features huge tracks from Ian O’Donovan, Pig&Dan, Guy J, Stelios Vassiloudis, Robert Babicz, Phonogenic, Eagles & Butterflies and more. Check bedrockmusic.bigcartel.com/products

Is there no end to Phil Kieran’s talents? Celebrated as one of Belfast’s biggest DJs and producers, Phil has clocked up over 100 releases on labels such as Soma, Skint, NovaMute, Cocoon and Electric Deluxe to drop a few. He’s blindsided us once again, with a new full-length LP on his label, Phil Kieran Records, which consists of 12 tracks, all under the veil of his new outfit, Le Carousel. Listen up, as that’s the man himself on vocals too!
Phil explains, “I wanted the end result to feel like honest music. Not being made to impress people or get gigs, just music that feels real and from the heart”. Support is in from Laurent Garnier, Matthew Dear, Bicep, Maya Jane Coles, Jamie Jones, the legendary Peter Hook and even the PR-shy Andrew Weatherall, who’s sent it to everyone in his address book! Plus, like little hidden Easter eggs, a huge poster of the album cover art, by artist Glen Leyburn, has been cut up into 254 pieces to be used as a very limited edition vinyl run to spread around the world before we know it! Check facebook.com/lecarouselband
Along our Easter egg hunt, we’ve located a free–track alert, courtesy of Dublin electronic super group Les Marrienettes, aka Keith Farrell, Ger Eaton, Derren Dempsey and Lucy Coady! Engineers dropped mid-March on Bandcamp and they’ve been good enough to offer the first 200 downloads for free! Put that chocolate down and get it while you can at lesmarionettes.bandcamp.com/track/engineers
In other Dublin news, Keith Downing has launched an Irish-only label, Eire Supply! The mission is to help Irish artists and bands gain a worldwide distribution package, on both a physical and digital format. He’s signed Kevin Nolan aka Fredrick & The Golden Dawn, who’s slotted to release an album later in the year. For further info and consideration, contact the man himself at [email protected]
In Cork news, we’ve got another Happy–Easter–free–track from Peter Lawlor, aka Replete. Currently gaining his Masters in Music & Technology, his initial attraction to production started after a summer being inspired in Toronto. Gaining experience at festivals such as Body & Soul and Electric Picnic, he’s now come forth with a house and techno inspired self–titled EP. Get your rabbit paws on it here: soundcloud.com/replete-1 and catch his up–coming set at Dublin’s Twisted Pepper on March 28!
Over in Galway, we wanna give a shout out to Cult. Founded by John Gillen and also run by resident Eoin Ryan, the night puts the focus on local and Irish productions, which is great to see. They’ve hosted Mmoths, Aeroplane, Fion, Aaron Lipsett, Brame, Clu, Ryan Vail and XXXY. Next up, they’ve got Koreless (also lined up to play Life Festival) and Orquesta, who has an upcoming appearance at the Redbull Music Academy, a nearly-finished EP featuring vocals from Lido Pimienta and Favi, plus an upcoming collaborative EP with Kid Simple. It’s all going down April 6th! Check facebook.com/cult.galway?fref=ts