Page 28 - DemoZone Magazine Summer Issue 2020

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ZONE-MAGAZINE.EU
How Did the Label Come About?
Our label / brand has been through many ups & downs to this point. Having originally started in Limerick, we ran events around the southwest of Ireland all the way up to Galway as a few college mates, just trying to get our artist images out there and make friends within the Irish music industry. Myself going under the alias “ASH”. After returning home to Carlow only last November, I noticed a massive disconnect between the growing demand for House & Techno music, and the music policy Carlow venues seemed to have.
After weeks of planning, we ran a series of extremely successful events in a local pub venue, where we unfortunately had the experience of being undercut & thrown to the side. A massive hit for me personally as the town wanted more and we had only begun our work. It was here that we realised the true potential we had within the scene, along with the positive influence we could have on others. I immediately got working on the next step!
With massive support from amazing friends and family, a brilliant crew, and a whole host of messages from followers, we managed to find a new home, and it was decided that SNKY Sessions moved our base to The Foundry Nightclub.
Over the last few months we are extremely excited to say that we have given a new lease of life to Carlow's nightlife through the events & club nights we have ran. We are constantly striving to make our locality a major player in Ireland's underground music scene and beyond.
What's the labels music policy?
As a person who loves music all around, the idea of sticking with one genre or sub-genre frightens me! I love being able to host different styles of artists when we run events and cater to the larger industry.
You could say our primary genre & focus is on Tech House, House, and techno - as this is what myself & the rest of the SNKY Crew produce as artists. However, if your joining us on our bigger nights we will always mix up styles in different rooms to add some spice to the night!
As a producer, I feel happiest when I am making Tech House & House as it’s what I grew up with and it’s what drew me in to production in the first place. The satisfaction of making a new and original rhythm and groove always has me dancing around the studio!
How was 2019 for the label?
2019 has been our biggest year to date! And personally, I am very proud of what has been accomplished by the team as well as the goals I have achieved myself personally. We have all put our limitations to the side to try to look for the bigger picture always!
A personal goal of mine from day one was to run big nights, interact with other artists in the industry actively, and give the music scene in Ireland & abroad something they will remember and hold on to - through my music and our events.
There were massive celebrations when we were finally able to get to work with one of Ireland’s top Venues, The Foundry Nightclub.
Since then the dream has grown, opening and closing for the likes of Secondcity, Mark Blair, Quinton Campbell,
George Feely, Sarah Mooney, Darren Emerson, Sunil Sharpe and many more! With our own events hosting up to over 1,100 people.
A major “WOW” moment for me this year was having a catch up with the CamelPhat Lads at Life 19 Festival mainstage, as they closed out the entire festival with Skream. That energy, being up there, and watching them all work was incredible! And it reminds me constantly to be greatful to those supporting you.
What Label / Artist to look out for in 2020?
There's so many artists and labels doing great things right now, everyone is upping their game. Personally, I think Nancy (Live) & Shampain are definitely ones to watch in 2020, having achieved great things this year as Irish artists.
Label wise, I'm a massive supporter of Sola Music and the Solardo Boys always, and one of their latest releases "Shaman's Chant by COZ" is played out at each of my live gigs without fail. On the heavier side of things, Sleepless Recordings is killing it right now with the likes of LTGTR / Black Traffic and definitely worth keeping an eye on!
Can you tell us some of your plans for 2020?
Of course! The massive success and support gained over the past year within Ireland, along with networking travels to Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) earlier this year, has put us in a position we are very humbled to be in.
We have been working tirelessly to come up with new event ideas and have put our heart into lining up some extremely talented national & international artists to join us this coming year to party.
Although I can't name names... Let's just say some of the world's top festival & club headliners will be welcomed to Carlow, while supplying a festival filled atmosphere without needing to worry about the weather outside haha!
Tell us about your earliest musical memory.
I know it's a cheesy thing to say, but from an extremely young age my parents used to have all sorts of music playing, whether we were on the road, in the house, doing jobs, or going to sleep! Over time it became a part of my daily routine! Taking in the different instruments, flows, and vibes... Listening to the stories behind the lyrics of each track on the radio or on my Walkman!
I am so greatful for this and remember back to a time where we were sent off to sleep every night listening to classical music on RTE lyric FM!
It may sound funny but I think it introduced me to music before I could even understand it. I felt what I was listening to and the vibe it gave off instead of looking technically at it!