Staff WriterMetropolis Festival returns to Dublin’s RDS at the end of next month with their biggest lineup yet. One of the first festivals of its kind in Ireland, Metropolis is a predominantly indoor festival with a massive focus on production and arts, hosting some of the best live acts and DJs that the world has to offer.
This year’s edition sees a lineup with a perfect contrast of both the best of up-and-coming talent as well as a host of electronic music pioneers. Spanning across two days, next week’s bank holiday weekend is set the boast one of the biggest lineups Ireland has seen. We’ve picked our top 10 acts that are playing the festival, all either legends or future legends.
10. Adam Beyer
The founder of the world famous Drumcode label makes his return to Dublin for the first time since the beginning of last year when he headlined a show in The Button Factory. An absolute legend of the scene, Beyer’s Irish shows are a rarity and should always be taken advantage of. You can catch Adam Beyer playing the Warehouse Stage on the Sunday.
9. DJ Deece
Following his recent release Disco Delights #001, Newbridge native Niall D’Arcy AKA DJ Deece will return to Metropolis Festival once again, being a major addition to the local element of the festival’s lineup. Fresh off the Boiler Room at AVA Festival, Deece is always a one to watch no matter where he’s playing, pulling out all of your new favourites tracks in every set. DJ Deece will play the Bulmer’s Live Stage on the Sunday.
8. Peggy Gou
Peggy Gou has absolutely exploded onto the scene in the last year or so, playing alongside the likes of Jackmaster as well as bagging both an Essential Mix and a Dekmantel Boiler Room set. You can catch her playing the Red Bull Music Academy stage on the Sunday.
7. Mall Grab
We’re pretty sure that Ireland is Mall Grab’s favourite country in the world to play . Every show that the Australian native has played here has been nothing short of insane. You’ll find him playing the Red Bull Music Academy stage on the Sunday, as well as looking for a house party to go to afterwards.
6. Richie Hawtin
Another legend of electronic music, Richie Hawtin has over 30 years of experience when it comes to techno. From his early days as Plastikman, Hawtin has carried his Plus-8 and Minus record labels from generation to generation. Richie Hawtin will play the Warehouse Stage on the Sunday.
5. Denis Sulta
We don’t think Denis Sulta really needs an introduction unless you’ve actually been living under a rock for the last year. The Glaswegian is well on course to become the biggest house DJ in the world. With his not-give-a-fuck-what-people-think DJ sets, Sulta is always the stand-out act of the lineup. You’ll find Denis Sulta playing the Red Bull Music Academy stage on the Sunday, as well as looking for a house party with Mall Grab afterwards.
4. Laurent Garnier
Another massive addition to the lineup, once again boasting nearly 30 years of experience, Laurent Garnier is one of the pioneers of electronic music. With a huge history beginning during the acid house movement in Manchester Garnier has never lost touch with the music scene, being the creator of some of the most timeless tracks ever including Crispy Bacon and The Man With The Red Face. Laurent Garnier will play the Opening Concert on the Saturday.
3. Or:la
Derry native Or:la has had an absolutely monstrous year, with the stand-out Boiler Room performance at AVA Festival as well as gaining a residency at The Warehouse Project once again. Or:la consistently delivers sets with an incredible selection of music and is a perfect addition to this year’s Metropolis. Or:la will play the Red Bull Music Academy Stage on the Sunday.
2. FJAAK
Techno’s hottest boyband FJAAK will return to Dublin with their live set once again following a huge show in Index a couple of months ago. The German trio are an unstoppable force at the moment, and well on their way to reaching the level of the likes of Moderat. FJAAK will play the Opening Concert on the Saturday.
1. Leftfield performing Leftism
Leftism was the first album released by Paul Daley and Neil Barnes under the name Leftfield. The album was nominated for a Mercury Prize when released in 1995 and praised by music critics worldwide, stating it “welded a whole new British house scene together.” Leftfield re-released Leftism this year, resulting in an album tour. We really recommend that you don’t miss this. It is literally a once in a lifetime experience.
More info on Metropolis + remaining tickets available here.
Feature Image: James Newmarch – Or:la