RTE2 presents us with a brilliant podcast that brings us through a four part journey through 30 years of electronic dance music. Where well known Irish producers reveal the stories behind their famous tracks.
We all love diving into the broad history of music, this podcast cleverly dissects the history of electronic dance music. Featuring some of the leading innovators of our time, guests include Bicep, Tommy Holohan, Or:La and Mr Spring and many more, we hear about the techniques and influences behind their famous and well-known tracks.
The four part series kicks off with taking us back to dance music in the early 90s, Irish pioneers like Dave McDonnoll of Bumble talking about the early days of Acid house and the unusual techniques such as distortion and the use of synthesisers, used to make such a “magical” sound. We learn about the saturation of the breakbeat sound with Mr Spring, one half of legendary Irish dance act Sound Crowd; and Zero T takes us through one of his earliest Drum and Bass productions.
Episode 2 explores success around the turn of the millennium. Interviewing producers such as Chris Agnew, of Trance duo Agnelli & Nelson, reveals the story behind their chart topping track El Nino; Shane Johnson, from legendary Cork duo Fish Go Deep, breaks down his approach to sampling with one of their early house productions.
The next two episodes mainly focus on the early to late 2000s. We learn about the aesthetic of the electroclash scene from duo Arveene & Misk; Sias gives an insight into the creation of his garage-tinged breakthrough track, and Or;La talks us through how key musical experiences fed into the development of her UK Bass-influenced music. Later featuring some Irish electronic producers who have stood out hugely in the music world recently.Bicep break down their global hit Glue; Bobby Analog analyzes the construction of his biggest house record to date; Tommy Holohan talks us through his 90s rave-inspired heavy techno beats.
RTE2 and producer Hugh Fowler have outdone themselves with this outstanding and very clever approach to dissecting the history of electronic dance music in Ireland. Absolutely love the support around the Irish dance music culture and all the history surrounding it. I cant wait to hear more from the show. Brilliant listen!
Give it a listen – https://www.rte.ie/radio/2fm/clips/22047689/
