Page 30 - Zone Magazine Issue 013

Promoter and musical entrepreneur Patrick McGuigan has seen a relentless and exciting 2016, boasting bookings with world class artists such as Rank 1, Giuseppe Ottiviani and Richard Durand. Transcend hosted their 1st Birthday Bash back in September in the Voodoo Lounge located in Dublin, with a delectable debut from none other than psy trance guru Vini Vici. I was there and let me tell you, it was a very special night for trance lovers across the nation. We welcomed Transcend and indeed look forward to plenty of momentous nights in the near future.
Besides the widely known talents, Transcend takes pride in showcasing up and coming artists like our own wondrous Paul Denton and Paul Webster, U. K’s Ben Nicky, Liam Wilson and Northern Irish hero Sneijder. It is important to highlight Patrick’s complete devotion to the trance scene, really treating the ears of the country to masses of the sweetest melodies, mind blowing breakdowns and unbelievable bass lines courtesy of the world's’ favorites. Credit, where credit is due, hats off to you!
Tell me first a little about life before Transcend and how it all came about?
I have always been an avid trance fan. From as far back as I can remember I have always had a keen interest in the scene. Coming from a household, as the youngest of 3 children, my brother and sister would always have some sort of dance music on, be it house, techno or trance. So, from an early age I had developed a deep lying love for the genre we all adore. I always wanted to be involved in the music scene. I bought a set of technics when I was about 14, but soon I discovered that I was enjoying life on the dance floor as opposed to the DJ booth, so never really perfected the art. Transcend Ireland was a dream come true for me. I used to wreck my brains thinking of a way to be involved in the scene. For longer than I care to remember I didn't know how I'd be involved or have an influence in trance. Then one day I was having a conversation with one of my friends about how we always have to travel for good trance nights and the lack of nights in Belfast. It was at that moment that it dawned on me... 'Bring the trance to Belfast'
Any particular reason or meaning behind the name choice?
‘Transcend’ - tran send,
Verb - to be or go beyond the range or limits of (a field of activity or conceptual sphere).
That's the definition of Transcend, as I'm sure you are aware. My thoughts were simple push this to the limits. Do what other people haven't. Try and grow the scene and offer people top line-ups with a twist, and I think I've been doing an OK job at that. I've given 2 djs their Irish debut, offered 2 Irish exclusives, and have had nights outside of the box with the Classics Winter Party, offering a night of nonstop classics.
Describe the clubbers’ reactions in your own words to the events you’ve hosted this year alone?
The clubbers have been nothing short of amazing. I know it's a bit of a cliché but it’s true without the clubbers none of this would be possible. Each and every event Transcend has had this year, the reactions from the event announcements, right through to the event itself and even after the event. It’s been nothing short of sensational. They have really embraced the concept and the brand and are helping to continually grow it. I’d really like to thank each and every single person that has come to any of the events we've had. We look forward to seeing them all again in 2017 as well as many more new faces.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or give a little mention to while I have you here?
Absolutely!!! There are so many people that I'd like to thank for helping me. People only see the events from the outside, if that makes sense. They don't see the months of planning, back and forth with agents, discussions with venue management etc. Without people to bounce ideas off things can go stale pretty quickly in my opinion. Firstly, I'd like to say thanks to Ciaran Osborne from The Midknight Thieves. Ciaran was the first person to offer his advice and help to me. Having previously promoted a successful trance night in Belfast, he has been invaluable to me right from the start. I’d also like to give a big mention, and indeed a thank you to Ryan McGuckin. Ryan has played the majority of our events and has been a crucial part of the growth of Transcend Ireland. There are so many people to mention and thank so my apologies if I miss anyone. Chris Scott from AMMG photography has been a big part of the team with not only the media side of things but also growing our presence on social media. I’d also like to give a big thanks to Rick Power from PFA (Promoter Friendly Agency / Active Talent Agency) who really has lived up to the name of the agency offering me priceless advice anytime I've called upon him. Last but by no means the least, I’d like to thank you, the clubbers, for embracing Transcend Ireland and making it one of the most exciting and fast
moving brands in the country, you are the heartbeat of it all.
What qualities do you need to possess to be a good promoter? What do you look for in an act when you are making your bookings?
Determination, without a doubt, is the most important quality in my opinion. I’ve had so many setbacks, so many people telling me I was mad and that it would never work. Each and every time something has set me back, it’s made me more determined to make Transcend Ireland a success. Every person that told me I couldn’t, have spurred me on to show them I can. As well as determination, I’d say a willingness to learn. Starting out, I had no clue on how to go about things, but with the right people and the right advice and help, I’m growing more and more confident. So, I’d say determination and a willingness to learn, oh and an undying love for trance certainly helps!!!
Most significant memory from this year/or most significant feeling.
Wow, there’s been so many, that's a real tough one. Thinking back on the year we've just had I’d have to say having Johan Gielen play at The Classics Winter Party was probably the highlight for me. Johan is one of my heroes, one of the reasons I fell in love with trance and standing on the stage, at a packed Mandela Hall and watch him drop Twisted.... gives me goose- bumps just thinking about it!!
What’s in the pipeline for the future?
We have some big, big plans for 2017. Don’t want to give too much away just yet, but trust me if you thought 2016 was good, wait and see what we have in store for 2017.
Name your ‘One to Watch’ artist.
There are so, so many young exciting djs and producers coming through at the moment, it’s great to see and so refreshing. I’d certainly say one guy that has it all is Dee Conaghan from Derry. Dee is only 19 I think and has a great knowledge already. Having had releases on his own and collaborations with Liam Melly, he’s as comfortable in the studio as he is behind the decks, and certainly has a big future ahead of him.
Connect:
https://www.facebook.com/transcendni/
Words By Emma Dilemma
Pic By AMMG Media
30 ZONE-MAGAZINE.IE
clubnight spotlight [ireland]