Giorgio Moroder
Synthesizers became more readily available in the ’70s, declaring the possibility of entire new approaches to musical composition. Giorgio Moroder was one of the first to embrace the new technology, and did so with such intelligence and passion as to shape the trajectory of electronic music from the get-go. Frequently regarded as the “father of disco,” Moroder’s ’70s work not only epitomizes that phenomenon but was an important influence to house music, examples being his production of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love and the title track from his ’76 album From Here to Eternity. The Moroder of the ’80s tackled cinematic music, and that he worked on both Scarface and The NeverEnding Story is a testament to his reach of influence. If you’ve ever heard an electronic track you liked, you’re probably a disciple of Giorgio Moroder.
Kaytranada
It’s a little over year since Kaytranada’s last visit to Dublin, and in that time he’s certainly been busy, racking up production credits for songs by Rome Fortune, Mick Jenkins, Rejjie Snow and Vic Mensa (who’s going to be joining him on the bill for the weekend). The Haitian-born, Montreál-raised producer’s signature blend of electronically-inflected and always-danceable hip hop has proved a hit with audiences the world over, and he’s seen a constant surge in popularity from the moment his first release debuted back in 2010 under the name Kaytradamus. Bridging the gap between the worlds of dance music and hip hop, Kaytranada is sure to appeal no matter what your favourite genre is.
Hot Chip
Hot Chip make essentially perfect electronic dance music. Their songs are well-paced, the rhythms are interesting but not overly complex, and their shows make it easy to forget about everything and just move. They are always an engaging act to see live and collectively the five-piece London-based band and their touring musicians have an endearingly awkward yet charismatic stage presence. They’re also classic; they’ve been around since 2000, and in that time they’ve been nominated for a number of awards including the Mercury Prize and a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. If that’s not reason enough to go see them, you also have the surety of their legions of dedicated fans that have helped cement their position at the top of the musical food chain. Even if you don’t make a habit of listening to them, chances are they’ll be playing at least a couple of songs you’ll have heard before, whether it be one of their own hits or a cover: some notable ones include songs by Vampire Weekend (which they covered in collaboration with Peter Gabriel), Joy Division, and Bruce Springsteen.
Chic
Nile Rodgers is a man whose career is so broad and dense that it is quite difficult to fathom. Since forming Chic in the mid seventies he has been one of the leading lights with regards to the popularising of disco music. He has produced and written some of the biggest songs for some of the most popular acts in the world. Collaborating with the likes of David Bowie, Grace Jones, Madonna, and Tina Turner has seen him build up a collection of hits that is near impossible to match. Since 2010 Rogers has been touring extensively with Chic and has been doing his best to spread the joyous message of disco to sold-out crowds around the world. Having recently played several shows in Ireland and wowing crowds at Electric Picnic, Vicar Street, and Iveagh Gardens, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers now take their exquisitely choreographed, unstoppable show to Metropolis. Expect to dance like you have never danced before as Chic’s classic hits as well many of Rodgers’ biggest collaborations, including Let’s Dance, Get Lucky, and Like a Virgin are squeezed into their set.
Vince Staples
The Long Beach rapper will arrive in Dublin this weekend, very much high on the hog. Having cut his teeth making mixtapes – such as Winter in Prague and Shyne Coldchain Vol. 1 – Staples’ 2014 EP Hell Can Wait was one of the releases of last year. His debut album, Summertime ‘06, was a triumph for the 22 year old and is quickly cementing in the upper echelons of contemporary rap. The potent Californian Noir tone of the album is accompanied by Staples’ sparse lyricism make the album a powerful listening experience. An emerging force in rap, Staples’ show will be an experience.
Read our full review of Summertime ‘06 here.
Four Tet
Four Tet is a name that hardly needs introduction. Since his first release back in 1998, the artist (real name Kieran Hebden) has consistently been at the forefront of contemporary dance music, releasing variously under a number of guises and playing some of the best clubs in the world. He’s garnered a reputation for one of the most vibrant and eclectic sets around, and he looks set to play a blinder in the RDS. He played Dublin over the summer, but if you missed out then make sure you catch this time around.
Trinity Orchestra presents LCD Soundsystem
This booking will come as little surprise to anyone who has been to Electric Picnic or Forbidden Fruit in recent years. Trinity Orchestra have become a mainstay of the Irish festival circuit with their unique and innovative approach to classical music. In the past they have played the music of The Gorillaz and Sufjan Stevens, but this time they’ve chosen to shut up and play the hits of LCD Soundsystem.
Read our interview with Aran O’Grady, the arranger for Trinity Orchestra here.
