Staff WriterCulture Night has evolved over the years, giving the streets nationwide permission to come alive in a way not seen all year round. With extensive government supports, and a huge amount of planning, each county puts on a big display of what culture means to them. This year, more than any other, we see a huge amount of electronic music events come to fruition which we’re incredible excited for.
Here are our top picks for dance music fans to check out:
Dreams of Electric Bleep, Album Launch, Racket Space, Dublin
Sunil Sharpe’s Earwiggle launch electro double vinyl ‘Dreams of Electric Bleep’ featuring key tracks from Decal, Magnetize, Metroneem, Americhord, Phil Kieran, Takeover Sound, Chymera and John Braine. This event, much like the release, celebrates the early Irish electro sounds in the Racket Space.
Sionna, Culture & Arts Festival, King Johns Castle, Limerick
You couldn’t ask for a more immense surrounding than King John’s Castle in the heart of Limerick city, and the Sionna crew have once again outdone themselves, spotlighting a diverse array of music from Ireland’s finest. Sligo native Spray plays b2b with Belfast’s Holly Lester to bring sounds of wigged out prog, breaks and left field trance. Local artists Brawni & Chaz Moloney are developing a special live modular set that will combine the artists styles. And hip hop and acid house vibes will be brought to you by Bon Voyage, accompanied by Live MC Shamonn Casette. Finally, local indie house act Hi Vista will open the night.
Strawberries Collective, Meeting House Square, Dublin
The Strawberry Collective have fun at the core of what they do, and this foray into Meeting House Square is no different as they bring a jam packed lineup of some of the countries finest selectors. The enigmatic Efa O’Neil takes to the decks, no doubt bringing a stack of groove laden bangers off the back of a busy summer. Strawberries Bull Horris goes b2b with Dublin Modular’s Tadhg K, digging deep into their record collection of euro house, trance and prog classics. Soria has also curated a special live set for the occasion which will no doubt be a great way to start the night.
The legendary Dublin Digital Radio plays host to Ireland’s underground music, offering much more than just a platform for shows, but a community that is diverse and representative of modern day Irish music culture. If you’ve been curious about how they go about things, then now’s your chance to check it out! They’re open from 6-10pm in the Complex.
The Electronic Music Council Present, Faoi Choim na hOíche, City Hall, Cork
The Electronic Music Council have been busy in the background campaigning, organising and of course promoting their events. They are staunch advocates for the Irish nightlife scene, and notably are campaigning to empower Cork promoters to get the support they deserve. Off the back of this, we’re delighted to see them get support from the council to run their event in City Hall for Culture Night. Having a dance music gig in a government building surely has to represent a change in the tide of Ireland’s archaic policies? The jury’s out on that one, but if you’re in the Cork area, make sure you support their cause.
If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket, catch Hybrasil launch his audiovisual display, one of the best to do it on the decks Cailín goes b2b with her house alias GRL, alongwith a bunch of film and photography on exhibit from local talent also.
Vanishing Point, Club Night for Sleeping, Dublin
For those that want to experience the soothing sounds of electronic music this Culture Night, venture to Vanishing Point, a new type of club where soothing sounds and calming atmospheres play a key role.
The space will be designed by set designer Natasha Duffy and lighting designer Conor Jacob of SoFFt Productions to create an immersive sleep experience with DJs from Dublin Digital Radio and NOISE Music encouraged to embrace the ambient space.
Gash Collective, Kelly Anne Byrne & Tara Be, Sligo
Sligo natives need not miss out on the dance music resurgence as The Model plays host to two rooms of musical talent from the offset. Expect to hear the groove laden sounds of Kelly Anne Byrne in one room, along side Tara Be, while Gash Collective bring their electronic expertise to the dancefloor in room two.
Donal Dineen’s Backstory, Mayo
The legendary Backstory with Donal Dineen is much more than a party, it’s a journey through the record collection of one of the best musical archivists in the country, and a lesson in music for all involved. Donal’s experience in the music realm is incredible and his sets are full of curve balls. Not to be missed.
DURTY DUBLIN – ‘From The Streets To Between The Sheets’ Graffiti & Street Art Exhibition, Dublin
The Icon Factory plays host to Ireland’s street artists as they get together to exhibit graffiti and street art paraphernalia, artworks, odds and ends – including ‘slap tags’ and ‘stickers’ from all over the world (ARTBEAT), paste-ups (DZ.B2B), spray-painted art pieces and black book sketches (CROSK, SHUK, SOKER), photographs (DUBLIN URBAN ART) and for the first time ‘BOBBY’ ink drawings (KEVIN BOHAN).
In true street style expect to hear serious rhythms shaking things up as both the Bushwack Sound and Interruption soundsystem are on hand.