Staff WriterWe’ve teamed up with CUPRA to speak with some of Ireland’s leading electronic music talent, this time catching up with Kayleigh Glynn about her rapid rise and evolving sound ahead of the CUPRA On The Pulse DJ competition, an initiative spotlighting the next wave of Irish talent.
Dublin’s Kayleigh Glynn has been on a meteoric rise as of late, riding a wave built on her two biggest loves: house and hard house. It’s a pairing deeply embedded in Dublin’s club culture since the 90s, and Glynn is adding her own chapter to that storied legacy with clear passion and intent. Backed by a range of Irish artists including Belters Only, Jazzy, KETTAMA, and Dec Pierce, she’s quickly earned recognition as one of Ireland’s most exciting next-up talents.
Her journey so far has seen her play regularly across Ibiza at venues like Ibiza Rocks, as well as major stages closer to home, from Electric Picnic to Dublin’s colossal 3Arena and the RDS, alongside Belfast’s Emerge festival and many more. It’s been a rapid ascent, and one that shows no signs of slowing down.
Glynn’s sound reflects that same upward trajectory. She continues to refine her palette, blending her influences into a high-voltage style that’s direct, no-frills, and built for the dancefloor, big, driving energy, anthemic vocals, sharp stabs, and tension-building snare rolls that come together to create undeniable bangers. With momentum firmly behind her, the year ahead looks just as promising as the last, as Kayleigh Glynn’s rise continues.
You can enter the CUPRA On The Pulse competition here.
Tell us about your first ever gig, where was it and what was it like?
My first gig was at Karma Stone in 2015. I remember feeling very nervous beforehand and more than I ever had, but as soon as I played my first couple of tracks, I found my rhythm. Having my friends and family there for support meant a lot, and seeing the crowd buzzing made it a really special and unforgettable experience.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting your DJ journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, consistency, and a strong work ethic. The music industry can be challenging, but if you’re truly passionate about it, you have to stay committed and be willing to put in the time and effort.
What would you say to a DJ about to play their very first set?
Preparation is key, and knowing your music and planning your set can really help build confidence. But very important to stay present and enjoy the moment. Your first set is a milestone, and it’s something you’ll always remember.
What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you first started?
I wish I understood just how demanding it can be to balance a full-time job with building a music career. It takes a lot of sacrifice. That said, the hard work is incredibly rewarding, and it’s all worth it in the end.
How has your taste in music evolved over time?
I love different genres of dance music, and when I started out, I was solely focused on house. The genre I love the most, though, is hard house, so getting to a point now where I’m producing my own tracks, I get to express that more and relay it into my sets.
Who was your biggest influence when you were starting out?
When I was starting out, Sam Divine was a huge influence on me. I was really inspired by her journey and success, and seeing what she achieved gave me the motivation and belief to pursue my own path in the industry.
