Max HeyraudCUPRA takes over our Local Selection Mix Series with the five finalists from their ‘ON THE PULSE’ DJ Competition, which is aimed to assist in developing the next generation of Irish talent. Rising artists Aldar Agd, Brawni, Charlois, Cian Bolger, and RJ THE DJ join our mix series ahead of the final where they will perform at Tengu on May 23rd.
CUPRA‘s On The Pulse DJ competition has reached its final stages, and five finalists have emerged from a mountain of high-quality local DJ mixes from entirely emerging artists, highlighting the incredible amount of talent developing from the Emerald Isle. With a big bank of mixes to filter through, our industry-chosen judging panel had a difficult and strenuous task, but ultimately 5 finalists emerged and submitted their mixes to the Local Selection Mix.
Introducing our finalists
Aldar AGD: Originally from the north of Mongolia, in the city of youth, Darkhan. A well-known digger in Dublin’s nightlife scene and a rising local, his selections range from psychedelic techno to cyber electro to mystical yet transcending deep techno. The Mongolian native keeps you glued to the dance floor with his hypnotic and fast rhythm, aiming to create a stronger connection to nature and a greater sense of freedom in the room.
BRAWNI: With releases on community label Cloudcore and support from UK mystery duo Two Shell, Brawni has established himself as one of the most exciting and forward-thinking electronic music composers in Ireland and beyond. Brawni, who frequently incorporates his Octatrack and synthesisers into his productions and live videos, has secured funding for a live hardware improvisation concept called ‘Hardware’, which will feature four different live artists performing back-to-back for four hours of live innovation and invention across a variety of DIY spaces. Brawni’s is a testament to the artist’s dedication to creating unforgettable sonic experiences.
Charlois: Dublin-based DJ Charlois is known for her high-octane performances that blend techno, trance, and hard groove while constantly exploring new sounds. Recent performances at Index, Tengu, and Wigwam highlight her growing presence in Dublin’s club scene. Charlois has performed for collectives such as LOST, HONEYPOT, and foxgluv, and is known for her uncompromisingly euphoric and uplifting approach to DJing. She has had the honour of sharing lineups with Upper90 and DJ Heartstring. As a queer DJ, she is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in nightlife through her work with collectives such as HONEYPOT, LUST, and LGBTQIA+ club night House of Pleasure.
Cian Bolger: DJ, Photographer, and Director Cian Bolger’s sets are genre-defying, with a distinct feel for heavy bass, tasteful rhythm, and hip-hop influences. Cian’s style is a mix of modern-day club music from the local Irish scene that keeps the dance floor moving and entertained. Cian brings dancers on a slippery journey through aquatic textures and subterranean atmospheres, perfectly blurring the lines between contemporary cuts and classic sounds.
RJ THE DJ: Chameleon style selector RJ THE DJ seamlessly blends genres, resulting in a sonic journey that defies boundaries. She began her journey behind the decks 8 years ago, motivated by an insatiable love of music, and has since been on an unending quest to provide her audience with unforgettable experiences. With an eclectic taste and an innate ability to read the crowd, she creates sets that are as diverse as they are infectious, ensuring that every moment on the dance floor is charged with energy and euphoria.