Chloe MooreTara Casey is one of the most exciting new DJs coming out of Ireland. Based in Cork, she’s quickly making a name for herself with high-energy sets that blend hard house, trance, and techno, all packed with bounce, fun, and a strong sense of nostalgia.
Whether she’s playing shows in Index, Shine, or warming up for big names like Skin On Skin and Hannah Laing, Tara knows how to keep a crowd moving. Her mixes are fast, playful, and full of surprises, always keeping dancers on their toes.
But Tara isn’t just behind the decks. She also plays a big role in supporting local music through the Electronic Music Council in Cork, helping shine a light on up-and-coming Irish artists. In this article, we get to know Tara Casey, her journey so far, and why she’s one to watch in Ireland’s growing dance music scene.
What first sparked your love of electronic music? Was there a particular track or moment that solidified your DJ dream?
I never understood how people could dance to electronic music, so I went to a rave hosted by Dali in 2021 to try to understand, and from there, I fell in love with the music, community, and culture.
You often spin old-school sounds like hard‐house, trance, and techno—what drew you to those genres over others?
I’ve been everything from a DnB DJ to a hip-hop DJ, but with the old-school sounds I play now, I feel it hits every nail on the head when it comes to the energy I’m trying to create. I get a lot of inspiration from ’90s tunes and DJ sets. I think there is something nostalgic in the way the tracks are built that really connects with people. I love seeing the people who lived through that era reconnect with that music, and I also LOVE seeing the younger groovers connect with it as if it’s new.
As someone active in Cork and Dublin, how would you compare their club scenes and crowds?
I think the crowds in Dublin are more open to hearing different styles, a bit more than Cork is, but I love playing to both crowds; they both have their own energy. Dublin definitely has more going on in terms of clubs, collectives, etc., whereas Cork is struggling more, so we have lost important spaces, and there’s a real fight to keep club culture alive here. There is so much potential in Cork, but we need support, spaces, and more collectives.
You’ve been involved with the Electronic Music Council in Cork. How has that shaped your outlook on community and scene-building?
The Electronic Music Council shaped my perspective on what it means to build and sustain a creative community. It has reinforced the idea that the community is the backbone of any lasting cultural movement. Working with EMC has shown me that scenes don’t just happen by chance; they’re nurtured through intentional collaboration, advocacy, and a willingness to fight for cultural space.
You supported names like Skin On Skin, Fish56Octagon, Hannah Laing, and played at Index, Shine, and Slither events. What have been some standout moments or sets for you?
I’ve played some crazy gigs, but the free street parties that I threw in Cork have always had a special place in my heart. We’re fighting to keep our culture alive in Cork, and those street parties gave us a sense of hope; the energy on that street was felt all over Cork and even further.
Who are the Irish producers or DJs you’re most excited about at the moment?
Some Irish producers I’m excited about atm are KAYCEE, DART, and Lorcan Kelly.
What have been your biggest challenges- technical, creative, or personal- in growing as a DJ?
I think boxing myself into certain genres really early on, while I was still finding my sound, was a big challenge for me. I had received advice from someone telling me to be certain of my sound and stay within that, and while I can understand where they were coming from, I don’t fully agree with it, especially at the beginning, and it held me back for some time.
For up-and-coming DJs in Cork, Dublin, or Ireland more widely, what advice do you wish you’d received early on?
It’s really simple advice, but it’s what I see new DJs struggle with the most. It’s ok to make mistakes, it’s how we learn and it’s how we improve. Don’t beat yourself up over it.
How do you keep evolving in a fast-changing scene?
I’ve only been gigging for 3 years, so I know I’ve still got a lot to learn. But for now, I think just focusing on the music you’re putting out there and being open, open to new inspiration, open to new music and new styles. I think there’s a lot you can learn from just listening to other DJs’ sets, whether they are recent or from way back.
