Collective & Label Special – Ireland

As a MOTZ collective consisting of five Irish techno heads spread across Dublin, Berlin and London, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite underground labels and collectives that are continuing to strive and support the artists producing sick and twisted sounds that have inspired MOTZ since day one.

We’re kick starting our special in Ireland before delving into Berlin and London based collectives and labels over the next two weeks. First off, MOTZ goes back to the motherland to celebrate the Irish groups releasing tunes ripping up the damp, sweaty spaces locked away in bleak industrial estates around the capital. As well as the bubbling talent brewing in Dublin, we look beyond The Pale to see what else is going on with underground communities in Waterford, Cork and more.

For those who have yet to discover which Irish fiends have been wrecking havoc in the past and present, now is the time to listen to the delirium looming from the Emerald Isle…

Earwiggle

Founded by our friend and vinyl wizard Sunil Sharpe, Earwiggle has been supporting oddball tunes sounds 2011. The Dublin based label has signed mysterious types such as Gert P to renowned techno legends like Steve Stoll. From the beginning, the label has ‘consistently stumbled along’ with its latest release from Gert P showcasing his specific German/Dutch hardcore sound liquifying your brain within the minute. We’re happy with sporadic releases from Earwiggle as long as it keeps stumbling along creating slippery, squelchy and much needed mind melting treats.

Variance

With artists on board including Myler, Rommek and Ansome to name but a few, you know you’re in for a brutally tense, fast paced and nightmarish journey with the monstrous melodies Variance has to offer. Based in Waterford, the label was ‘born out of necessity’ according to it’s Soundcloud bio and founder, Luke Creed. Since then it’s thrown parties in intimate spaces across Dublin with notable guests from Ayarcana to emerging Variance artists like Rico Cassazza. Enjoy the most recent EP from London's Harushi Clan below.

Bastardo Electrico

A long running label and collective based in Cork, Bastardo has been on the Irish techno scene and throwing unhinged parties since 2002. Signing artists from Detroit’s DJ Bone to Dublin’s own Sunil Sharpe, it's home to an electric style of techno tracks. Head honcho Jamie Behan is a stalwart on the scene with his own productions and ability to churn out stellar line-ups for Bastardo events dotted around Ireland. With support from Dave Clarke, Blawan and Slam among others giving the label the credit it deserves, there’s no stopping this electric bastard anytime soon.

RLSD Records

In the two years since RLSD Records launched in Dublin, the label has constantly pushed both developing and established talent on the Dublin underground scene. Teaming up with promoters of the infamous ‘Mutate’ parties has proven a wise decision, allowing RLSD artists such as local favourites Jon Hussey and up and coming Barry Greaves to support Abdullah Rashim, Lewis Fauzti, Tripeo and more. Founders Doug Cooney and Philp Galvin Jnr are the two alchemists behind the project and continue to showcase the latest talent coming out of Real Sound Ireland’s DJ and production courses just off Parnell Square. Check out the latest releases and explore what Real Sound training courses have to offer here.

Vision Collector Records

Another Dublin based label and collective who’s signed many of the artists already affiliated with RLSD and Bastardo Electrico, Vision Collector showcases Irish talent by throwing unique parties across Dublin and Berlin. Unusual locations from the dusty Crypts of Dublin’s Christchurch to Berlin’s famous Greissmuehle have previously set the vibe their carefully curated nights. In our eyes, Vision Collector is a sure winner for selecting other worldly spaces to showcase the latest spangled sounds creeping out from the label. Local artists Breen, Nathan Jones and Pineal Navigation are a handful of producers on board and continue to ruffle feathers amongst underground music freaks across Dublin and Berlin.

DSNT

Founded in Belfast in 2011 by Oisin O’Brien, DSNT started throwing parties and now have also started releasing music. They have releases from heavyweights such as AnD, Myler and an upcoming release from Joe Farr. The DSNT crew have cultivated Belfast with great techno, and continue to curate off the wall parties with high intensity visuals on par with the bangers blasted out. From Belfast to Berlin, DSNT will be throwing a party on the 9th of August in Griessmuehle hosted by KilleKill summer camp with Irish legend Myler headlining. DSNT have made an impressive dent on the Irish techno scene and continue to thrive and spread ‘the doof’.

Grounded

Based in Dublin, Grounded was started by David Gilligan 3 years ago and they have been showcasing some of the best underground techno acts from all different parts of the world. Grounded have an impressive collection of podcasts and releases from emerging talent to well-known artists. They have recently reached an impressive 8k followers on their Soundcloud and are dishing out these tasty bangers for free so go check out the Grounded page below.

Gash Collective

Gash is an Irish female collective, formed up of Cailín, ELLLL, Cáit and Lolz. The collective focuses on providing a platform for female DJ’s and producers involved in left-field electronics in Ireland. They curate a monthly radio show on Radió na Life showcasing talent and they also hold workshops for women trying to get into electronic music. You can catch the Gash Collective at Electric Picnic this year where they will be taking over Anachronica stage in the woods on Friday night.

Mutate

Mutate have consistently and relentlessly built up a reputation as one of Dublin’s best underground parties with a solid line up of techno's finest weapons. Mutate residents include Realsound boss and RSCH14 member Doug Cooney, one of Irelands most promising techno producer and DJ. Alongside Jay Carroll, Brian O'Neil aka Exit the Void, Colin Farmer aka Unthink and Conan O Donnell aka Xerophkz who all hold their own on the dancefloor, Xerophkz has been noted as one to watch by Sunil Sharpe. The residents and international DJs combined will result in a night of high calibre techno.

Subject

Subject have been booking some of the biggest techno artists around as well as old school Detroit legends. They started 10 years ago and have been making waves in Dublin ever since. They have been hosting nights in all sorts of spaces around the city but now have a home in District 8 and the recently opened Index. Some of their residents include Mode_1, Cailin, Sage and Niall Cleary and to celebrate their 10th birthday, they will be hosting events with techno giants Ben Klock, Sunil Sharpe and more.