District: GIVE December 2018

Dublin

December 2018 FREE 1

JUNE 29TH 2019

HIGHERVISION.IE

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PREMIUM LAGER IMPORTED FROM ITALY.

L'AUTENTICA DAL 1859.

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WHELANS | DUBLIN

JULIA H O LT E R

SUPPORT

AH KOSMOS!

28 JAN 2019 VICAR ST

S AT 8 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 B U T TO N FA CTO R Y J U L I A S H A M M A S H O LT E R . C O M

4Tickets from €18 – €24 | Buy Online: www.ticketmaster.ie | By Phone: 0818 719 300 | In Person: Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide | Telephone & Internet bookings subject to 12.5% per ticket | Agents max €3.30 per ticket www.AIKENPROMOTIONS.com

PREMIUM LAGER IMPORTED FROM ITALY.

L'AUTENTICA DAL 1859.

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The city is teeming with some of the biggest names in modern music, art and theatre this festive season, but instead of focusing on one artist or cultural figure, this month’s GUIDE has become GiVE. In The Copper House Gallery from December 13 to 16 a crew of artists of all levels of acclaim and experience are coming together to raise in excess of €50,000 for Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH) by selling prints and auctioning off original works. Across the weekend there’ll be panel discussions, very special guest musicians, installations and performances.

In this issue we sat down with organiser of the exhibition Mark William Logan to discuss the process of bringing together 18 creative minds and what he wants to achieve, financials aside, from the ambitious project.

Also in this edition, Hannah O’Connell catches up with Kyle, a hip hop artist and star of the Netflix film ‘The After Party’. Rosie Gogan-Keogh gets to know Dublin’s most exciting new party collective, Club Comfort, and we go on a pub crawl with Mango x MathMan. - Eric Davidson 6

Editor // Eric Davidson

Deputy Editor // Hannah O’Connell

Operations Director // Craig Connolly

Creative Director // James McGuirk

Additional design // Annie Moriarty

Culture Editor // Aoife Donnellan

Food & Drink Editor // Caitriona Devery

Events Editor // Karl Guest

Photography // George Voronov, Ellius Grace, FaolĂĄn Carey, Fabian Brennecke, Jimmy Fontaine

Words // Rosie Gogan-Keogh, Jordan Kinlan

Advertising // Ricky Lahart / ricky@districtmagazine.ie

Website // districtmagazine.ie

Issue 001-005 Creative Director // Johnny Brennan

Cover Photography // Charles Moriarty

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10 / IDK 14 / Agne Hurt 20 / Prix Pictet 24 / Perfect day in Dublin 28 / Live guide 34 / Charities 38 / Lullahush inside RBMA 42 / The Sustainable Store 46 / Kyle 50 / Club guide 54 / Denis Sulta 56 / Club Comfort 72 / Mango X MathMan’s 6 Boozers of Christmas 80 / Opium 82 / Vietnam 86 / Toasties 88 / Top 5 food & drink spots 90 / Irish artist spotlight: k8olo

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Art & Lifestyle Store Prints | Books | Magazines | Homewares

13 Fade Street, Dublin 2 ¡ +1 552 9960 hensteethstore.com ¡ @hensteethstore

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10 Words: Eric Davidson / Photography: Elsa Brightling

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couple of days before our interview was scheduled to take place, IDK put up a series of videos and photos on Instagram showing the world his brand new BMW. One caption read, “Just got my first car since I got out of jail. Just wanna say thank you to my team and my fans for making this possible. Mom and my Dad would be proud”.

When I Facetime IDK (Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge), real name Jason Mills, he’s sitting comfortably in his new vehicle, his kevlar vest juxtaposing a friendly smile, friendly smile. He explains to me what exactly the new purchase represents.

“It’s basically the beginning of my career as a successful artist, not just an artist trying to figure it out. Before I was literally working to survive, just to even be alive.

So money was never a thing I even thought about. Now I’m at a point where I can survive, so now I have to maintain, so money is a lot more important now because I have to keep up with what I’m putting myself into financially. But I still have to have that same hunger of someone who doesn’t have everything.”

It’s a significant moment for an artist who certainly hasn’t had it easy during his 26 years on this planet. The stint in prison helped Mills to realise he needed a change in direction. That shift in mentality could have easily been hampered by the fact that his mother passed away when he was released, but he used the negative energy he was feeling to propel his career, and focused his attention on having the

perseverance to succeed.

“Believing in yourself is the first step, obviously, but patience is the hard part.

That’s why you have to take the small wins.

Say for you guys [District Magazine], you get the interview you want to get, or someone acknowledges you, or you get the right person on your cover. These little things help you keep going if you really want to be huge.

You have to take all of that little shit and embrace it. Don’t ignore it, because if you ignore it then you’re only going to see the big picture, and when you only see the big picture you might end up feeling like you’re not progressing.

“I know friends of mine who are artists and are way bigger than me and they still have that problem. They’re like, ‘Man, people are sleeping on me’, I’m like, ‘Dude, you have 1.8 million followers and two platinum records, and you’re talking to me saying people are sleeping on you’ So that made me realise you’re always going to feel that way, it’s never going to go away as long as you want more for yourself. Even when you realise that, embrace the little wins, keep going hard, you’re still never going to be satisfied until you’re number one. And even when you’re number one, you won’t be number one forever. So you have to then try and figure out how to stay number one.

“So just have fun doing what the fuck you do, man. That’s the most important thing.”

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“I’M

NOT

WHERE

AT I

THE

POINT

COMPLETELY

DON’T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT WHAT

OTHER

PEOPLE

THINK. NOT YET.

BUT I DEFNITELY WILL BE.”

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Speaking of talented and successful peers, IDK has already worked with some of the most sought-after names in modern hip hop. Chief Keef, MF DOOM, Del the Funky Homosapien, Masego, Saba and Michael Christmas are just some of the artists he’s recruited for features, but it was after he started touring with A$AP Ferg and Joey Bada$$ when his most fruitful collab came to be. IDK met Denzel Curry several months earlier in Florida.

“We linked up at Rolling Loud in Miami and from there we got kind of cool. Then after that he hit me up saying we should do a song. Then I came in and linked up with him and boom, that’s how the tracks happened. Then we just became friends naturally.”

The Maryland rapper explains that he likes the nature of collaboration, evident through the output of HXLY, the collective he spearheads and describes as “a group for individuals that aren’t afraid to be passionate about what they love despite the fact that other people might hate it”.

I was curious as to whether it was Mills’ involvement in this crew that gave him his ‘give-no-fucks’ attitude or if that way of thinking already existed.

“HXLY definitely helped me not give a fuck about other people’s perceptions. That’s something people struggle with a lot and I’m not at the point where I completely don’t give a fuck about what other people think. Not yet. But I definitely will be. That’s going to be an important thing moving forward for me and I hope other people can embrace that as well and understand that it’s not an easy thing to do. It’s something that I’m working on and will get there.”

In an interview with Hot 97 a couple of years ago IDK remarked on how seriously he was taking his process and career. He even

mentioned that he had brought a legitimate business plan to labels and agents. It’s clear those plans have worked for him, but what’s even more apparent is that the artist is always two steps ahead of himself and everybody else.

He has previously expressed his desire to get into directing feature films, a natural progression as he’s already heavily involved in the visual process of his music, most recently taking the reins on the video ‘No Wave’ featuring Denzel Curry. The finished product took the honesty of his music and gave back a rawness on screen, something Hollywood desperately needs.

The film industry in the US is traditionally white-washed, with filmmakers being predominantly Caucasian. Artists like Donald Glover, the driving force behind ‘Atlanta’, Jordan Peele, the acclaimed creator of ‘Get Out’, and the innovative director of ‘Widows’ Steve McQueen, are paving the way for a more inclusive era of visual media.

“When I’m like 35 to 40 years old I think that’s what I’ll get into, making music here and there. I think it’d be easier to paint a more vivid picture, but it’s not really that, it’s just another passion.

“Jason Mills is the person that does a lot of the behind the scenes work like coproduction, direction, videos, all of that. It’s still me, but it’s a different version of me.

That’s who I’ll be when the time comes to make movies.”

Despite a slightly less clear allusion to what’s in store, there’s a knowing confidence in IDK’s voice. He’s very much in the moment, but assured of his future. With his rocky past in mind, he’s under no illusion of how difficult the road ahead will be, but he’s got a plan and he’s sticking to it. And so far it’s working.

IDK supports Denzel Curry in The Academy on December 18.

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Words & Photography: Ellius Grace

SKIN DEEP:

agne

hurt

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I

t seems I’ve wanted tattoos all my life. As a school child I would extend my doodles onto my hands and arms.

I would have near-poisonous amounts of ballpoint ink in the form of reminders, patterns and designs, centred mainly on the back of my hands and fingers. As I grew older my fascination with tattoo culture grew too and I found myself photographing tattoos and tattoo artists whenever I got the chance. I have always found decoration of the skin enthralling.

Throughout my life I have struggled with eczema. An unpredictable irritation of the skin, and one that was uncontrollable in years past. I started getting tattoos, as a way to have control over my skin. Finally I was able to dictate what went where, what I decided to adorn myself with, who did it, and when.

Today, tattoos are a part of pop culture, no longer existing only on the fringes of society. Instagram is filled with artists and inspiration and more people than ever are getting pieces. No longer will a tattoo ostracise you from a job. With this increasing saturation comes more great artists, and through this series, I will explore some of Dublin’s tattooers.

In each of these features, I will record the process of being tattooed by an artist, along with an interview and photographs to show the process and individual character of each person. What better way to show an artist’s work than to get a piece from them?

First up, Agne Hurt of The Ink Factory.

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Let’s start at the beginning.

Before tattooing, what were your inspirations?

All of the tattoos that I saw in films, on rockstars. When I was a teenager, these were the people I was looking up to. You wanted to be like them and be comfortable with yourself and be who you are and look how you want to look.

When did you start tattooing?

My friend got a kit and she gave it to me and for a good few years it was sitting in the box.

I completely forgot that I had it. I was selling art, squatting in London, trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life. Then I was like, ‘Oh wait, I have a tattoo machine! Everything I need is there’.

Do you remember the first tattoo you ever did on someone else?

They were for some of my best friends, but they’re kind of terrible… We were trying to imitate a tattoo that Anthony Kiedis from Red Hot Chilli Peppers had. A big stork on his back. I didn’t even get the stencil right, and I’m sure I wasn’t using the needle the right way. I didn’t even finish doing the lines, it was a disaster! But I remember being so proud and my friend was so happy. We were in some club or pub and he was showing everyone. We saw it again a few years ago and we all started laughing so hard. It was the most terrible tattoo.

The work you do is varied, but it’s traditional with a modern twist. With your own elements in there. How did you develop your style?

In the beginning I looked at traditional as something I could do, it looked simple. I was trying to do that for a year or so, but the tattoos always turned out to be something more than traditional. All my life I was taught to put my own twist on things, to express my art through what I do. Not to just follow someone else’s style blindly. I couldn’t stick to traditional. I was actually really bad at it!

You’re well-known for that in Dublin now…

[Laughs] You’re always your own worst critic.

But I want to keep progressing, so I’m going to keep thinking I’m shit!

I was saying to one of the apprentices, if you want to work your ass off, you have to progress with every single tattoo. Every single day. I’m still progressing with every tattoo that I do. That’s why I’m always looking for new ways and techniques.

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You’ve been working in Dublin for around three years? What do you think of the tattoo scene here and how has it changed since you started working in the city?

I didn’t know much about the tattoo scene here when I started, I just knew what I knew from Instagram. Eventually I started to get to know people. During the last three or four years the internet has progressed the scene hugely, but not only in Ireland, in Lithuania as well as everywhere else. Tattooing was much more conservative before the internet.

What do you think about there being more tattoos than ever with much more people getting them?

Tattoos now are part of pop culture. They’re trendy and cool and everyone wants to be trendy and cool. Before piercings on the face was a daring thing to do and you thought you were the bee’s knees. Now with the internet age, with all the information we have, people are getting harder and harder to impress, so people started doing a lot more hardcore things to get attention. We’re living in a shock culture.

Is that good or bad for tattooing?

In a few years people won’t turn their backs on people with face tattoos. Then maybe after that it’ll be trendy again not to have tattoos. Life moves in circles.

What’s your best tattoo story?

The story of my first tattoo is funny. Back in the day, one of my friends came back with a tattoo, the sign of equality, or anarchy, something like that. We were asking where they got it and they gave a number for this guy who was tattooing out of his kitchen with a handmade gun. He didn’t even ask what your age was, you just went there with a design and he blasted it on your skin. I thought back then that there were two styles of tattoos; the ones Marilyn Manson has and tribal tattoos.

So I chose the Marilyn Manson one. It was really painful and really bad. I paid like €5 for it.

[Laughs] Of your tattoos, which is your favourite?

It’s of course the one I got in Washington. It was my dream to go to Washington state to the town where Kurt Cobain was born to get a tattoo there. We went there on a Monday, and the town is really small, so both tattoo shops were closed. So we just went to a bigger town, but Kurt lived there with Dave Grohl for a while too. So I got it across the road from the house they used to live in, where they recorded the ‘Nevermind’ album. @agne_hurt

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brickbear.co

Making food.

Brewing coffee.

Breakfast until 11.30am. Lunch from 12pm (Mon-Fri) Saturday brunch all day (10am - 4pm) Coffee and cake throughout Middle Eastern influence always

9a Abbey Street Lwr + 23c Dawson Street tang.ie 19

Words: Aoife Donnellan / Photography: Michael Wolf

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P

rix Pictet is an international photography competition Prix Pictet is an international photography competition that gives photojournalists, documentary makers, photographers and visual artists the opportunity to be nominated for an award, this year centring around the theme of ‘Space’.

Photography has played a major role recently in understanding a number of global crises; especially the refugee crisis.

The cruel reality of situations can be communicated powerfully through photography. This exhibition focuses more specifically on environmental sustainability - a hot topic.

We sat down with Tanya Kiang, the CEO and co-curator of Gallery of Photography, to catch up on the newest international exhibition to arrive in Dublin. Kiang explains the importance of politically-charged photography in a posttruth world.

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The Prix Pictet has always had a sustainability theme, why is it important that we tackle global political issues through photography?

It’s an approach that works really well to showcase the amazing diversity of contemporary photographic practices. The theme of ‘Space’ is particularly capacious, and this year the shortlisted artists tackle subjects as diverse as the migration crisis, the contamination of marine life by microplastics, political division in Ukraine, Palestine and on the border between India and Pakistan, extraordinary instances of hyper-dense urban life in Hong Kong and Tokyo, as well as a quirky look at plant life in modular offices and a poetic reinterpretation of NASA space imagery. It is a provocative exhibition, that explores notions of ‘scale’ and ‘mapping’ in inventive ways.

Photography is without doubt the medium of our time. Its special relationship to the real is much questioned, but still incontrovertibly powerful. More than any other medium, photography allows viewers to engage with current issues at their own pace and on something close to their own terms. They bring the world to us, and make distant events visible. Paradoxically, photography is distinctive in that it is itself invisible. People can relate to photographs – and it’s great that people feel they can voice an opinion, to question, to criticise and to engage with photographs. I think that’s why Pictet focused on photography for this award – simply put, photography reaches people.

You have been the director of Gallery of Photography for a number of years, how has photography changed over the last two decades in Ireland? What is about Irish photography?

Photography is a medium in constant revolution, and hugely exciting developments have happened since the start of this century.

The revolutionary democratisation of imagemaking, that has been underway since the box brownie, has seen exponential growth with the spread of digital photography, and smartphone photography in particular. Our contemporary culture is now thoroughly saturated with photographic imagery. In this sense, developments here in Ireland are part of the globalisation, and some would say the standardisation, of visual languages, a bit like the now near complete global domination of English as the world’s only ‘hypercentral’ language. At the same time, and counter to this standardisation/globalisation, more critically reflexive or idiomatic approaches to photography are flourishing.

A new generation of photographic artists are engaging with the particularities of the Irish context, creating compelling work that goes beyond traditional representations.

It has been especially rewarding to have

exhibited the work of these new talents over the years at the Gallery of Photography. But some things have not changed as much as we’d like. There remains a lack of recognition of the cultural value of photography on the part of funders. And while some pioneering spirits have pushed for photography’s inclusion into our public art collections, there is still resistance to photography among private buyers.

It is asked that the submissions have “considerable narrative power”, what constitutes power in a photo series?

For me, it’s subjective. The power of a photographic series has an unpredictable resonance between a complex of emotional, intellectual and aesthetic qualities. Take Richard Mosse’s ‘Heat Maps’ for example: one work in this series is a huge (4.25m long) composite panorama. It is built up from hundreds of separate images made with a military grade thermal camera – a device that can detect body heat from as far away as 50km. It is hard not to feel awe looking at it. It is also hard not to feel profoundly moved by the Brueghel-esque scene that unfolds in front of you. Then there’s also a complicated mix of anger and shame as you literally adopt the point of view of a piece of military kit the very existence of which is totally obscene. The work sucks you in and really stays with you it is a troubling and disconcerting work.

The reach of this award is huge. What do you hope Irish audiences take away from this exhibition?

I want people to feel alive to all the things that are going on in the world right now – to feel compassion and empathy for what may be distant, people and events. But of course there isn’t a single takeaway from the exhibition. Knowing the complex ways our thoughts and feelings shape our behaviour, there is much to be said for simply having people bear witness to work such as this. It can have profound effects.

Finally, in a potentially post-truth and fake news era, do you think political photography and photojournalism are becoming more important.

Photographs and photojournalism can be used to validate fake news just as words and audio reports can. So it’s not the medium but rather the visual literacy and critical skills of the viewer that are important now. It is great that our schools now include media literacy modules and we are always delighted to have school groups come for a visit. There is so much relevance in the Prix Pictet exhibitions across the curriculum - teachers of Science, CSPE, English, Art, Geography, History, Politics take note!

Prix Pictet ‘Space’ continues in Gallery of Photography until January 20.

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Finn

Good Boy Owner: Fehdah @fehdahfoli Best park for a walk?

Phoenix Park! Chasing deer is the best. There’s also lots of forest to find sticks in.

Best pet friendly café?

Fumbally. They have water and cuddles on tap.

Best public dog bowl?

As in water bowl? The fountain in St Patrick’s park.

Best place for a far away walk?

Devil’s Glen.

Who’s a good boy?

Finn izzz!

What happened to that ball that your owner threw last year that disappeared when you went to look for it?

The bish still has it in her pocket. That move gets me every time.

Best pee spot?

All upright objects, animate or inanimate.

Favourite smell in Dublin?

Stray, half-eaten chicken fillet rolls, tossed on the pavement.

If dogs weren’t human’s best friend, who would be?

I don’t think humans have any other friends in the animal kingdom...

Maybe rats? Certainly not cats anyway.

Favourite thing about living in Dublin?

Taking a poo in the middle of O’Connell street and having my mom pick it up while getting slagged by teenagers on the hop from school.

Favourite place to smell another dog’s butt?

D12 dogs have great smelling butts. Tried and tested.

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PERFECT

Kumo

Good Boy Owner: Sara O’Loughlin @sarasaffrono Best park for a walk?

Massey’s Wood in Rathfarnham.

Best pet friendly café?

The Fumbally Café, hands down. The staff always come through with the good pets, and I regularly run around there with my girlfriend, Uma the tall blonde lurcher.

Best public dog bowl?

Petland on Camden Street.

Best place for a far away walk?

Dog’s Bay, in Connemara. I went on my first holiday to Roundstone this summer and had the time of my life. We stayed in the amazing Zetland Hotel who have a special room where I can keep my owner in the same room).

Who’s a good boy?

As Camus once said, “If we believe we are not the good boy, if being the good boy has no meaning and if we can affirm no values whatsoever, then being the good boy is possible and not being the good boy has no importance”.

What happened to that ball that your owner threw last year that just disappeared when you went to look for it?

Glitch in the matrix.

Best pee spot?

The canal at Portobello, specifically the giant plant beside the canal can boardwalk.

Favourite smell in Dublin?

Freshly baked madeleine from Gaillot & Grey. I demand one every Saturday morning.

If dogs weren’t human’s best friend, who would be?

David Attenborough.

Favourite thing about living in Dublin?

Walking in the mountains and on the beach on the same day, and running into all the best people and dogs on the street whenever one steps outside.

Favourite place to smell another dog’s butt?

Iveagh Gardens, aka going for one down the local.

DAY 25

26 Words & Photography: Ellius Grace

IN

Suso

Good Girl Owners: Craig Connolly & Hannah O’Connell @craigconnollythefamousblogger & hannah_oc Best park for a walk?

St. Anne’s Park in Clontarf/Raheny. It has a dedicated dog park where I meet my friends and there’s also a place for the giant scary dogs that I like to chase around.

Best pet friendly café?

Bang Bang in Phibsborough. The owners are really nice and they make foodies that my humans like. I always make friends there and get given treaties.

Best public dog bowl?

The Pigeon House in Clontarf. During the summer it’s always filled with water and I’m always very thirsty after running very fast. If my humans are eating foodies there, a nice human will bring me out some sausages as well.

Best place for a far away walk?

Last week my humans brought me to Cruagh Wood in the Dublin mountains. It took a long time to get there so I cried in the car, but it was worth it to run around and smell Christmas trees and drink from waterfalls. My humans said the views were amazing.

Who’s a good girl?

I’ve been told 49,571 times by my humans that I’m a good girl.

What happened to that ball that your owner threw last year that just disappeared when you went to look for it?

That is a very good question, human. If you find out will you please let me know?

Best pee spot?

Every 10 feet when I’m on my walkies.

Favourite smell in Dublin?

When my humans go out I like to lie on their clothes and smell them because it makes me excited for them to return.

If dogs weren’t human’s best friend, who would be?

Don’t ask silly questions!

Favourite thing about living in Dublin?

My sister Elfie lives here with my grandparents and I get to see her every couple of weeks for an extra big walkies.

Favourite place to smell another dog’s butt?

Griffith Park in Drumcondra.So many of my friends are there and we meet up to play on weekends. If I’m lucky, I’ll spot a swan or a herring.

DUBLIN 27

LIVE GUIDE

December 2018

LIQUID DISCO

TRIBAL DANCE

THE RNB CLUB

HILARY WOODS

CHYNNA

JULIA HOLTER

TESS PARKS

JACON BANKS

Liquid Disco are back at The Bernard Shaw for a midweek party consisting of Disco, Italo and slow-mo jams all night long.

For fans of: DMX Krew, Mr. Flagio, The Immortals Thursday December 6 The Bernard Shaw Free

The Dublin club night is dedicated to the sounds of R&B, neo-soul, hip hop, g-funk and trap.

For fans of: The Roots, Aaliyah, Outkast Friday December 7 Yamamori Tengu €6 - €12

Chynna Rogers is rap’s high priestess. The young Philly native lands in Dublin for an intimate headline show this December.

For fans of: Mick Jenkins, Gucci Mane, 21 Savage Friday December 7 Green Room at The Academy €16.50

Tess is a true believer in the church of rock’n’roll. The Toronto native has an incredible song-writing ability and returns to connect with her Dublin audience early this month.

For fans of: The Warlocks, The Blue Angel Lounge, The Black Ryder Saturday December 8 The Grand Social €13

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Bad Soup is a Dublin-based record label and radio Dublin Digital Radio show.

The first release on the label comes courtesy of Tribal Dance and they’re throwing launch party to celebrate.

For fans of: Girl Band, Radiohead, BadBadNotGood Friday December 7 The Grand Social €8

Hilary Woods is a multi-disciplinary artist from Dublin whose artistry reaches rare emotional heights. Don’t miss her captivating songs in this unique venue.

For fans of: Eartheater, Sarah Davachi, Kathryn Joseph Friday December 7 The Unitarian Church €16.50

Following the news of her upcoming album Aviary, the North American singer will perform in the Temple Bar venue.

For fans of: Laurel Halo, Gang Gang Dance, Jenny Hval Saturday December 8 Button Factory €24

Born in Nigeria and based in England, Jacob Banks creates soul music that’s uncompromisingly honest but thrillingly cinematic. Not one to be missed.

For fans of: Mahalia, Maverick Sabre, Rag’n’Bone Man Saturday December 8 The Academy €22.90

CHRISTY MOORE

LILLY ALLEN

KYLE

R.A THE RUGGED MAN

VERNON JANE

HAMSANDWICH

GBH

GYPSIES ON THE AUTOBAHN

FANGCLUB

SPIES

The Irish music icon returns to Dublin for what will be another memorable Vicar Street gig.

For fans of: Planxty, The Saw Doctors, Paddy Casey Monday December 10 Vicar Street €41.50 - €49.50

KYLE wraps up the European leg of his Light Speed World Tour with a date in Dublin, following a hugely successful 2018.

For fans of: Drake, Lil Yachty, Kid Cudi Wednesday December 12 The Academy €22.50

Dublin based punk-jazz outfit Vernon Jane bring their explosive live show to back to their hometown this December.

For fans of: The Hot Sprockets, Bitch Falcon, 45AcidBabies Wednesday December 12 Button Factory €10 - €15

Cited as influencers to Metallica and Rancid, heavy metal punk rockers GBH will take to the stage with support from Paranoid Visions.

For fans of: Total Chaos, The Virus, Subhumans Thursday December 13 The Bowery €17.50

2018 has been a busy one for Fangclub, having toured with The Cribs The Cribs, Milk Teeth and Volbeat they’re heading to Dublin for a headline slot.

For fans of: Black Foxxes, Otherkin, Airways Friday December 14 The Sound House €15

Lily Allen has been one of British pop’s most distinctive voices for a number of years now and she’s bringing her highly anticipated 2018 ‘No Shame Tour’ to Dublin this month.

For fans of: Sophie-Ellis Bextor, Kate Nash, Paloma Faith Tuesday December 11 Olympia Theatre €49.05

R.A The Rugged Man is joining forces with AFRO and MC Psalm One for an intimate show at The Sugar Club. Expect straight up hip hop from start to finish.

For fans of: Celph Titled, Diabolic, Immortal Technique Wednesday December 12 The Sugar Club €20

One of Ireland’s most entralling live acts will take over the iconic venue for three nights straight.

For fans of: Mic Christopher, Hermitage Green, Aslan Thursday December 13/14/15 Whelans €22.50

The Dublin 7 foursome return for what’s sure to be another electric live performance in Whelan’s.

For fans of: Little Green Cars, The Riptide Movement, Two Door Cinema Club Friday December 14 Upstairs @ Whelan’s €12

Spies are celebrating the long-awaited release of their ‘Constancy’ LP on Trout Records with a gig in Button Factory.

For fans of: Pillow Queens, Paddy Hanna, Ships Friday December 14 Button Factory €15

OLDSKOOL

Oldskool are a live classic hip hop group that have performed at the country’s biggest festivals and have been selling out headline shows in Dublin for a number of years, they’re joined on the night by Cork’s Stevie G. For fans of: Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Beastie Boys Friday December 14 The Sugar Club €17.50

28 EDEN QUAY D1

THE MURDER CAPITAL

The Murder Capital are bringing their unique punk style to the Workman’s Club. Expect a raw and energetic set from the first note.

For fans of: Shame, Slaves, Fontaines DC Friday December 14 The Workman’s Club €11

BLEEDING HEART PIGEONS

The Limerick experimental rock group Bleeding Heart Pigeons are bringing their live show to Dublin for an intimate gig.

For fans of: Gypsies On The Autobahn, Just Mustard, Junior Brother Saturday December 15 Upstairs @ Whelan’s €12

DECEMBER DATE

VENUE

EVENT

Dec. 1

TIME

The Sound House

Nimhneach

10:00pm

Dec. 6th

The Sound House

Oddsocks ‘Saying Things’ Single Launch

8:00pm

Dec. 7th

The Sound House

MCD presents Thanks Brother

8:00pm

Dec. 7th

The Wiley Fox

Will & Disgrace DJ Set

10:00pm 9:00pm

st

Dec. 8th

The Sound House

Taster Live featuring Jes & guests

Dec. 13th

The Sound House

Garagelands

7.30pm

Dec. 14th

The Sound House

MCD presents FangClub

7.30pm

Dec. 14th

The Wiley Fox

Michael Pope (Le Galaxie) DJ Set

Dec. 15th

The Sound House

MOXIE

7.30pm

Dec. 15th

The Sound House

Darktrax presents Syrette

11:00pm

Dec. 19th

The Sound House

WordUp Collective Christmas Party

7:30pm

Dec. 20th

The Wiley Fox

Parallax

8:00pm

Dec. 21st

The Sound House

Aiken promotions presents Junior Brother

Dec. 21st

The Wiley Fox

Claire Beck DJ

10:00pm

7.30pm 10:00pm

Dec. 22nd

The Sound House

The Furry Glen

11:00pm

Dec. 26th

The Sound House

Lafayette Crew

10:00pm

Dec. 28th

The Sound House

Psynonymous

9:00pm

Dec. 28th

The Wiley Fox

Glenn Hall DJ

9:00pm

Dec. 29th

The Sound House

Paradiso

11:00pm

Dec. 30th

The Sound House

Open Ear | Christmas Party | Dublin

9:00pm

Dec. 31st

The Wiley Fox

New Years Eve Party

8:00pm

Dec. 31st

The Sound House

NYF aftershow

10:00pm

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Music club every Monday at The Wiley Fox hosted by Fluttertone @ 7.30pm thesoundhouse.dublin

thesoundhouse_

thesoundhousedublin

THE BLADES

This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Blades’ hit ‘Downmarket’ and the group will celebrate with a gig in the Middle Abbey Street venue.

For fans of: The Radiators From Space, The Stunning, The Walls Saturday December 15 The Academy €30

SIR THE BAPTIST & DONALD LAWRENCE

Sir the Baptist, hip hop’s holistic lyricist, is proving himself to be a chaplain in the modern rap culture. He teams up with multifaceted essence of Donald Lawrence for a double headline show.

For fans of: Kirk Franklin, Canton Jones, Anderson .Paak Sunday December 16 Green Room at The Academy €17.50

JERRY FISH

Charismatic performer Jerry Fish returns to Whelan’s following another successful year of the ‘Electric Sideshow’ at Electric Picnic this summer.

For fans of: Mundy, Mic Christopher, The Frames Sunday December 16 Whelan’s €21.90

HOZIER

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The hugely successfull singer songwriter will play to three sold out Olympia Theatre audiences this December.

For fans of: Tom Odell, The Lumineers, The Paper Kites Saturday December 15 - Monday December 17 Olympia Theatre

DENZEL CURRY

SOUNDS OF CHANGE

AONAIR

DAMIEN DEMPSEY

FONTAINS D.C.

MANGO X MATHMAN

VULPYNES

ASLAN

SIGN ‘O’ THE TIMES

MIDAS TOUCH

The Miami rapper brings his TA13OO tour to the capital with support from IDK. For fans of: Vince Staples, Joey Bada$$, Kendrick Lamar Tuesday December 18 The Academy €22.90

Brendan McGlynn brings his solo project Aonair to The Workman’s Club for a night of harmony and lush productions.

For fans of: Ariel Pink, The War On Drugs, Connan Mockasin Friday December 21 The Workman’s Club

The Dublin rockers return to their hometown hot of the back of a hugely successful Eurpean tour.

For fans of: Shame, Yowl, Girl Band Friday December 21 Button Factory €15 Following the success of a sold-out Whelan’s gig earlier the year Vulpynes return for an end of year headline show.

For fans of: Bitch Falcon, Fontaines D.C., Health Junkies Friday December 28 The Underground €12.50

Expect back to back Prince classics in honour of the legendary artist.

For fans of: Prince, Rick James, Chaka Khan Sunday December 30 The Sugar Club €15

MASI (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland) are a non-profit grassroots organisation based in Ireland working and advocating for the right of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

For fans of: Social justice Friday December 21 The Workman’s Club €10

Damien Dempsey is set to take over Vicar Street for four nights this December for his annual run of much-loved Christmas gigs.

For fans of: Paddy Casey, Christy Moore, Luke Kelly Wednesday December 12, Friday December 21, Saturday December 22, Sunday December 23 Vicar Street The beloved grime duo are throwing a rave in Wigwam’s basement with their ‘No Surrender’ show.

For fans of: Skepta, D Double E, Kojaque Thursday December 27 Wigwam €12.50 The undeniably Irish rock band that formed in Dublin back in 1982 are bringing their signature sound back to their beloved hometown this Christmas.

For fans of: Damien Dempsey, Paddy Casey, Christy Moore Saturday December 29 Vicar Street €39

H&G Creations will be putting their unique twist on New Year’s Eve yet again this December as they gear up for another spectacular castle party.

For fans of: Æ MAK, Mix & Fairbanks, Le Galaxie Monday December 31 Loughrew House €40 - €70

OPEN DAYS 2018/19 BA (HONS)

in Commercial Modern Music

CPD DIPLOMA

in Professional Musicianship

BIMM INSTITUTE DUBLIN DIPLOMA in Music & Audio Production in Music Business

2018 8TH DEC

2019 12TH JAN

EUROPE’S MOST CONNECTED MUSIC COLLEGE

19TH JAN

26TH JAN BIMM.IE

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Exhibition of the month IS THE CITY AFRAID OF THE SEA? - DISPATCHES FROM PALESTINE A study of life under occupation and the mechanics of control.

December 3 – January 27 The Bernard Shaw

@hughmalala

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VERNON JANE PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS:

- JUNIOR BROTHER - FAT PABLO

BUTTON FACTORY

FORMERLY KNOWN AS BEACH

12/12/18

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WHO ARE YOU GIVING TO THIS CHRISTMAS? Here are the charities the District team recommend you donate to if you’re in the giving spirit this festive season.

Annie Moriarty, Design - Women’s Aid “Any charity that supports women and children in crisis is a charity worth supporting.” womensaid.ie

Eric Davidson, Editor - Suicide or Survive “It’s quite a small charity that looks at removing the stigma of depression and suicide. It’s grassroots, but for a relatively small operation it does a lot of good work.” suicideorsurvive.ie

James McGuirk, Creative Director - Pieta House “Suicide and mental health affects everyone, whether they know it or not, everyone knows someone. Gotta look after your head.” pieta.ie

Craig Connolly, Director - Irish Motor Neuron Association Ireland “A couple of people in my family have had it and it’s something that is quite close to my family, collectively.” imnda.ie

Sam Greenwood, The Building Society Agency - ICHH “It’s the same thing every Christmas, people sleeping on the streets with nowhere to go. People are on the streets, dying of the cold.” ichh.ie

Ricky Lahart, Sales - Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust “They support people who die abroad suddenly. The difficulties can be massive and they help out in a crisis.” kevinbellrepatriationtrust.com

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Carla Jenkins, Senior Contributor - The National Women’s Council of Ireland “They are an organisation that supports in umbrella terms 180 organisations, including Justice for Magdalenes, Turn Off the Red Light campaign to address sex trafficking, #FemFirst for working with young people to establish the voices of young women in the feminist movement, and they massively supported the Together for Yes campaign.” nwci.ie

George Voronov, Photographer - Aware “For anyone who has ever suffered with mental health issues, you would never wish it on anyone else.

Supporting Aware makes sure that people have better coping mechanisms and structures that support them.” aware.ie

Hannah O’Connell, Deputy Editor Concern “The 2018 Christmas appeal is focused on Somalia.

They’re having a major food and water crisis at the moment, their capital is on lockdown due to violence meaning no one is allowed to leave their homes.

Concern is calling for donations so they can continue to supply 25,000 Somali mothers and children with food and water.” concern.net

Caitríona Devery, Food & Drink Editor FoodCloud “It’s a charity that cleverly coordinates the redistribution of food waste from supermarkets and food suppliers to go charities supporting people in need. It combats two issues; firstly food waste and secondly, food poverty.” food.cloud

Aoife Donnellan, Culture Editor - Anew “Sometimes counselling gets put on the long finger, but it needs to stay relevant if things are going to get better. Anew makes sure that women and children have access to necessary health care through counselling, accommodation and education.” anew.ie

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13 Dame St Dublin 2 Refreshing Salads - Middle Eastern Mezze - Freshly Squeezed Juice

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umifalafel.ie

Advertisement

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NEW

EW ORIGINALS is Penguin’s brand new series dedicated to unique and inspiring trailblazers who offer something truly different and original in today’s modern society. These talented and influential individuals all share Original Penguin’s love for originality and that’s why we have teamed up with them to show the world what it really means to #BeAnOriginal. Original Penguin® want to support and celebrate young talent and allow others to experience it, learn from it and go on a discovery with Original Penguin.

First up in the series was world-renowned parkour and urban exploring extraordinaire, Daniel Ilabaca. Now it’s the turn of Dublin muralist and graffiti writer Aches.

Aches has been adding pops of colour to the world with his unique street art. Aches says, “I’m constantly trying to evolve my style.

People are really appreciative of the work and colour that you’re adding to the city”.

ORIGINALS “Being original means challenging myself…As long as you’re keeping stuff original you’re keeping it interesting, it’s a lot more fun that way.

“Thanks to Original Penguin for involving me in this project and taking an interest in my art, it was great to be able to add another mural to the city.”

Original Penguin were lucky enough to experience a day in the life of Aches as he created one of his iconic murals on a wall in Dublin 8, Ireland. @achesdub

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38 Words: Eric Davidson / Photography: Fabian Brennecke

W

hat is the Red Bull Music Academy?

You see the acronym of RBMA attached to significant cultural events all over the world, pushing club culture in particular. To be perfectly honest, when I travelled to Berlin a couple of months ago to cover the 20th edition of the Academy I still wasn’t 100 per cent sure what it was.

The German capital was the home to the first RBMA in 1998. At the beginning of autumn 61 participants, who were selected from the tens of thousands of applicants, descended on Funkhaus, one of the biggest studio complexes in the world to participate in the landmark event.

This edition was split up into two terms, with two artists representing Ireland in Berlin. J Colleran, formerly MMOTHS, took part in term two and Daniel McIntyre, aka Lullahush, in term one. It’s been a couple of months since both artists returned home and having had time to digest the experience, we caught up with Lullahush.

“It’s an artist in residency programme,” he explains when I asked if he had a succinct answer to what exactly RBMA is. “I was over there with 30 producers, singers, instrumentalists, just musicians from different backgrounds.”

On a tour of the massive structure, we were told that Funkhaus was built in the 1950s as the broadcast headquarters for the state radio station, and at its peak it had a staff of over 3000 people. Just a few floors of the expansive studio space were used for the Academy, however it still housed lecture halls, a canteen, exhibition rooms, chill out rooms, and the behemoth studio Saal 1 was the location for experimental concerts throughout both RBMA terms.

“We had all of this amazing gear given to us and it was basically, ‘Here you go, now collaborate’ Lullahush continued.

“During the day there were lectures from really well-respected people in the underground scene, or even people who work behind the scenes. Then there were gigs at night around the city as part of the Red Bull Music Festival, or else we were in the studio until 4am.”

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To get a better idea of what to expect before he jetted off to Berlin, Lullahush met up with RBMA class of 2015 alumni and composer Gareth Averill, however even that conversation didn’t prepare him for what was to come.

“I was totally clueless, but even after talking to him I still didn’t really understand!

Same with when I explain it to people, they don’t really understand. It’s this really weird, self-contained experience. That’s the key word, it’s an experience. It’s definitely shaped a lot of the stuff I’ve been doing since I’ve come back.

“It’s really hard to put it into words, or sum up into one single concept what the point of it is, but they’ve been doing it from 20 years and some incredible people have come out of it. People like Nina Kraviz, Four Tet, Objekt… They’re giving this nurturing space to people at the start of their creative lives.

And that’s a really good idea, because it sets you up mentally.”

During the short time the Irish media contingent I was a part of was in Funkhaus, prolific names like Oneohtrix Point Never, ‘Mad’ Mike Banks, Dorian Concept and Kevin Saunderson could be seen chilling on couches with their laptops, drinking coffee and chatting with participants and, above all else, offering advice and collaborating with them.

“A guy called Brian Jackson, he played keys and flute on Gil Scott Heron’s records and he produced them as well, gave a talk and then he was just wandering around Funkhaus afterwards,” Lullahush remembers with a smirk. “I was making a song and we had said we’d love some flute on it and we just asked him to lay down some flute on it. Next thing you know I’m on the other side of the glass directing Brian Jackson on his improvised takes [laughs].

It’s completely casual though.”

Lullahush is perhaps best known as the production/co-songwriting end of Æ MAK, Aoife McCann’s musical project. The group have become beacons for alternative pop music in the country, fusing mainstream sonic sensibilities with an underground electronic sound.

With a plethora of artists coming from 37 countries to Funkhaus, and collaboration strongly encouraged, I ask him if he found it easier to work alongside people at RBMA because of his wealth of experience garnered from working with the other members of Æ MAK. “I used to be more apprehensive about collaboration, but since working with Aoife and other people… I was definitely glad I had done stuff like that before going over. I’d say it would have been a bit scarier. Even then, it was hard at the start. The first time you go into the studio none of us knew each other.

My first thing was to get on a computer and make a tune on my own, then once I’d done that I was thinking, ‘Ok, I’ve made something, now I can roam freely’.

“I was really nervous. Like I said, so many incredible people have done it before.

I was worried that it was going to be a competition, like who can make the best tunes and who’s the best, but it wasn’t like that. They said it to us on the first day, ‘You’re here for a reason’.”

With new solo music on the way, and big news on the Æ MAK front, Lullahush is ready to prove why he was selected to be part of this seminal year for RBMA. He’s been pulling the strings behind the scenes for a while now, but his time in Funkhaus seems to have lit something of a fire under the Dubliner and he’s ready to show us the fruits of his labour. Æ MAK play H&G Creations’ NYE party on December 31 & a headline show in The Grand Social on March 8.

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The Sustainable Store

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ou’d be hard-pressed to find a duo who’ve had a more life-changing 12 months than Jonny and Katie.

They moved away from their motherland of Ireland for a significant period of time, travelling the many corners of Australasia.

They eventually came to their final stop and everything changed. Having lived a life being relatively eco-conscious, it was at a permaculture farm where they realised they’d been “just skimming the surface”.

The couple have now returned to Dublin, where they just welcomed their first child into the world, to open up The Sustainable Store. Based in Blackrock Market, amongst a growing number of vegan-friendly cafés and second hand shops, their store is zero-waste, with plastic and chemical free products, and has a sharp focus on changing Irish attitudes towards how we treat the earth.

Only open since July, things have gathered momentum quickly, so we caught up with the pair to see how life has been after an interesting few months.

You left Ireland in 2015, what was the sustainability landscape you were leaving behind compared to now? How have things changed since then?

During our time away there seemed to be a shift in mainstream consciousness. More eyes have opened to the reality of this global crises, including our own. We thought we were doing our bit before we left, but we were just skimming the surface. There have been eco warriors since way before any devastating photos of seahorses holding plastic cotton swabs, but it’s amazing to see the effect these images are having.

Social media is good for some things.

Was it moving to New Zealand where you really found the passion for this?

New Zealand and Australia. We travelled and lived in our Hiace called Heidi, on and off volunteering on permaculture farms.

Our minds were blown open at our last stop, Liz and Rick’s in Raglan NZ. It all came together there. Permaculture, community, family, a gift economy. Everything had a purpose, nothing was wasted. That extended to the broader community of Raglan where 20 years previous Liz and Rick started the recycling centre which now recycles 95 per cent of Raglan’s waste. It can be a reality for a whole town to be on the same page. Our passion was ignited.

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Words: Eric Davidson / Photography: George Voronov

How far ahead of Ireland is New Zealand for sustainable practices?

We saw people on the ground doing beautiful things and industry doing devastating things. It’s a battle between people and industry no matter where you are.

In New Zealand, from what we saw, a lot more people seem to be building their own homes, usually made from wood, or living in alternative dwellings like baches, buses, yurts, treehouses, caravans, earth domes, train carriages. Maybe it was just where we were standing, but we didn’t see 30 year olds living with their parents sweating for a mortgage, that shit’s not sustainable.

There are a lot of people growing their own food. Wind turbines, solar panels and collecting rainwater is just the norm.

In Raglan there was a huge move away from plastic, but for the rest of New Zealand it was just as much an epidemic as it is here.

What made you want to bring this idea home?

It was the Maori culture, their respect for the land, their pride for their roots. We could have stayed in Raglan, in plastic free paradise, but that Maori passion pulled us home. We wanted to find our tribe here.

There doesn’t seem to be many other outlets like yours. Do you feel you’re pioneers in Ireland?

No way, folks have been fighting this fight for years. There are a load of people doing great things to stir these changes needed.

We may be the first physical shop of our kind, but definitely not pioneers.

How much of a risk was it to set something like this up here?

Pretty huge. Thankfully we’ve only had positive feedback, but hopefully as our presence becomes more known the risk will lessen. The work can feel endless and the battle uphill. A major shift in habits and lifestyle is needed, but every positive chat we have with folks coming into the store is a big hug.

Have you found Irish people have an appetite for it?

They’re not ravenous, but they’re starting to bite.

How has setting up in Blackrock Market been? It’s such a storied place.

The oldest market in Dublin, the whole market is one big antique. It’s a homely place to be, we love where we are and there is a great sense of community building around it.

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You both put so much effort and thought into sourcing your products and ensuring zero waste. Is it frustrating to walk into a supermarket and see how much plastic is being used unnecessarily?

That’s Katie’s finesse. While I was building the interior of the shop Katie was brain deep in the laptop on the hunt for the most ethical options.

The frustration is overwhelming, but we know that one person can make a difference. Of course we do sometimes buy plastic, it is unavoidable. When we do, we like to make a point of protest. Toilet paper is one of those unavoidable things, we leave the packaging at the till and bring our rolls home naked.

Does it feel like it’s somewhat undoing all of your hard work?

So much of the time. It’s heartbreaking. But then you walk past someone with their keep cup, or you’re at the farmers’ market and see someone using their own containers, or see a fellow plastic protestor at the till, you feel that bit of momentum again and it’s worth it.

What’s one piece of practical advice you’d give to a business that’s deciding to try and be more waste conscious and sustainable?

Have the conversation. If every business asked themselves what can we do to have a positive impact rather than a negative one... The solutions are there, it just requires a little bit more time and thought to see them.

Congratulations on your kid, Ailbe. How manic/rewarding has it been setting up a business and welcoming him into the world pretty much at the same time?

Ailbe and the Wolves. It’s been an absolutely massive year for us and the emotions are overwhelming at times. We’d really like to thank all of our wonderful family and friends for the constant love.

Does having him give you even more drive to create a more sustainable future?

This is all for him. The conversation needs to move away from if and when. Climate change is here, if forests aren’t being cut down they are burning, only 4 per cent of animals on earth are wild, dead zones are filling our oceans, there is an island of plastic in the Pacific potentially the size of Russia, the beautiful giants of the oceans have never been so threatened, the bees are dying and without them there is no pollination, rivers are uninhabitable from toxic chemicals, humans are running around chasing their tails fueling this decimation. Life on earth is suffering today and by 2050, the year scientists have estimated there will be no life left in the oceans, Ailbe will only be 32. With no life in the water there’s no life on land.

The Sustainable Store is open now in Blackrock Market. @thesustainablestore_dublin

“Life on earth is suffering today and by 2050, the year scientists have estimated there will be no life left in the oceans, Ailbe will only be 32.�

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46 Words: Hannah O’Connell / Photography: Jimmy Fontaine

A

debut album, a debut world tour and a film debut, it’s been a year of firsts for Kyle.

The Californian artist is coming to the end of a 28-night North American run of his Light Speed World Tour, yet sounds energetic and enthusiastic when the call connects. He’s got five cities left to play before he moves onto the European leg, followed by dates in Australia and New Zealand, concluding the run early next year in Asia and Hawaii.

Despite the astronomical success of his musical output, Kyle sounds genuinely surprised and pleased to be performing in countries he’s never been to before.

He’s been steadily releasing music since 2010, then under the moniker K.i.D. [Kyle is Determined], no doubt inspired by Kid Cudi, his biggest influence and favourite artist. In 2013 he broke out under his given name with ‘Keep It Real’ and has since built up a healthy back catalogue of mixtapes and singles. He held back on his debut album ‘Light of Mine’, where other artists may have felt pressure to put it out, and finally released ‘Light Of Mine’ in May of this year.

“By far the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done in my whole life is put out this album,” he confesses. “You work on it for so long.

You don’t have a clue if anybody is going to like it and there’s nothing you can do about that. You spent so long making it that if nobody liked it, you’d feel like you wasted all this time.

“For me there was a lot of fear going into it, but then right before it came out, literally 30 minutes before I was about to drop it, I was like, ‘Afraid of what? I love this music…’. I think it’s incredible.”

Kyle can comfortably trust his judgement as the record has since been certified gold with the third single ‘Playinwitme’ featuring Kehlani racking up over 200 million streams on Spotify alone. Speaking of features, one of the things that jumps out about ‘Light of Mine’ is the volume of collaborations on the track list. In addition to Kehlani, artists like Khalid, Alessia Cara, Lil Yachty and 2 Chainz appear.

“The majority of the artists I collaborate with, literally every single one of them on the album, besides 2 Chainz, who I’ve only really met once, they’re all my close friends,” Kyle tells me when I ask what he’s gaining from these collabs other than having another big name on the track.

“Making music with them is something that I feel is just dope in general and I don’t know what I necessarily gain from it. We’re friends. Now people know we’re friends because now we have a song with each other!”

It wasn’t the answer I was expecting, but it’s refreshing to know that not all massive features are a result of record label string pulling, not that Kyle needs it, and that a collab can still be born from friends in a studio just wanting to have fun and be creative together. That brought us on to Kyle’s most successful song to date, ‘iSpy’ featuring Lil Yachty. Specifically, these lines: All this shade that’s comin’ at me I wonder who throws it They can’t see the vision Boy must be out of focus That’s a real hot album, homie I wonder who wrote it?

Oh shit...

He confirmed to Genius in a video about the track that the verse isn’t a Drake diss, as many assumed, but a lyric about Kyle’s work as a songwriter. Ok, but that answer begs the question – who was he ghostwriting for?

“I guess it’s a secret, but when I first moved to Los Angeles, I was a writer for Atlantic,” he reveals. “I would go to Atlantic offices in their studios and just write mad songs for their artists. Anybody who was on the roster at the time. I don’t necessarily know who used what. They’ll be like, ‘Ok so this pack of beats is all for this artist’.

“The thing about being a songwriter, or a good songwriter, is being so personal but also universal,” he continues. “That’s the whole key. You want to write a song that sounds like you made it, but you could hear anyone else singing it. That’s the key to making a good song.”

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“ALL OF MY FAVOURITE PERFORMERS REALLY PERFORMED BACK IN THE DAY… IT’S REALLY JUST RECENTLY THAT WE’VE STOPPED CARING ABOUT FULLY PERFORMING.” 48

I make a mental note to try and figure out when he started writing and who was signed to Atlantic at the time, already resigned to the fact that I’ll never know. We move on and I askKyle if he’s ever dealt with writer’s block to which he animatedly replies, “Oh hell yeah! It sucks”, but he’s got a solution.

“I go look at poetry. When I happen to have writer’s block I look at the way they put words together, I keep repeating one of the sentences and try to take something from there.”

This method must work because we’re never long waiting for the next Kyle project or release. He seems to have bountiful energy, that manifests into a strong work ethic and drive.

“For me motivation is not something I struggle with because I always want more,” he tells me.

“I’m never really satisfied. Even though all these great things have happened, all I can think about it is, ‘Damn, how do I make this bigger?’. It’s kind of a wack thing to do, but I definitely do that a lot. I don’t really have to worry about wanting to take it to a bigger place or take it a step further because that’s just something that’s constantly on my mind.”

He keeps it healthy though, with a good work-life balance. Downtime is bingewatching Game of Thrones or getting lost in video games for hours, but ultimately writing and creating music is what he loves.

“You know, it’s weird because my work plays such a huge role in my happiness so in order to maintain that I have to consistently be succeeding and be working and be making myself better and building my career. And at the same time, I have to be consistently giving myself breaks from working so hard. It’s a fine line.”

The energy that Kyle pours into every track, every video, isn’t refined to the studio.

He brought it to the set of Netflix’s T‘The After Party’, a film he stars in and wrote music for alongside Wiz Khalifa, and he brings it on tour. You may have noticed from his vigorous live performances that he’s actively trying to reconnect hip hop with its dance roots.

“It’s important to me because hip hop started that way and we’ve lost it somehow,” he says. “People think it’s corny to dance and they don’t understand that if you really do some history, rap started as a very live, colourful, exciting, energetic performance. Every rapper had dancers and every rapper knew how to dance. Every rapper choreographed dance moves and when I first started, I just really wanted to bring that back.”

He’s looking to James Brown, New Edition, Big Daddy Kane, Salt-N-Pepa, The Fresh Prince & Jazzy Jeff and “even NWA to a certain degree” for inspiration.

“Their performances were theatrical, so much more than kids care about doing now. They don’t necessarily care about synchronisation, and a planned, executed

performance. They’ll just run out there and scream it out. All of my favourite performers really performed back in the day… It’s really just recently that we’ve stopped caring about fully performing.”

The Light Speed World Tour and its dynamic lead man will make their way to Dublin in December for the final date of the European shows, but Kyle promises to bring it as if it was opening night and he wants to audience to do the same.

“Expect the most live energy show you have ever seen. Expect not your average hip hop show and expect to be impressed by real music and somebody who is actually caring about performing and somebody who just wants to have mad fun. Don’t come if you’re not ready to have mad fun [laughs]!”

I’m exhausted just being subject to Kyle’s relentless energy, but nonetheless inspired by how much he’s already achieved and by his astronomical plans for the future. Before he signs off, incredibly politely, he reveals some big plans for 2019.

“I’m definitely trying to shoot another movie, trying to drop another album and then do another tour. Dude, I want to keep it all going together.

“It’s all secrets for now, but know that I’m already getting a lot of scripts, know that I’ve already started working on my next album and know that my next tour design is already finished too.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised.

Kyle plays The Academy on December 12.

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CLUB GUIDE

December 2018 CROMBY

ALTERN 8 B2B TECHNO & CANS

SKREAM

DENIS SULTA & ECLAIR FIFI

TR-ONE

TERRENCE PARKER

MARCUS O’LAOIRE

DENIS SULTA & DABJ

DENIS SULTA [FINAL NIGHT]

DIXON

RED GREG

SURGEON

JAYDA G

NICK WARREN

GEORGE FITZGERALD

HUNEE

The Berlin-based Irish producer had a whirlwind year and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

For fans of: Bicep, Brame & Hamo, Hammer Thursday December 6 Wah Wah Club €8 - €10

Coming off the back of a another huge year which saw the release of Drumcode and Shall Not Fade Skream brings his ‘Open To Close’ series back to Dublin.

For fans of: Patrick Topping, Seth Troxler, Eats Everything Friday December 7 District 8 €15 - €20

TR-One’s passion and talent for dance music has led to him sharing the stage with DJ Stingray, Helena Hauff, Dave Clarke, Surgeon and Steffi. For his return to the capital he’ll joined on the night by Nevan Jio of Pear.

For fans of: Martyn, Carl Craig, R.Kitt Saturday December 8 Yamamori Tengu €5 - €10

LUDUS hits Opium Club with resident DJ Marcus O’Laoire supplying the best in house, techno and disco.

For fans of: Denis Sulta, Folamour, Mix & Fairbanks Saturday December 8,15 & 22 Opium Club

The last leg of Sulta’s Dublin tour sees the eccentric DJ and producer take the reins at Wigwam for an intimate show in the basement alongside some special guests.

For fans of: Sally C, Mall Grab, Mella Dee Sunday December 9 Wigwam €15 - €17.50

Discotekken will play host to prolific UK DJ and remixer Red Greg at Wigwam for a night of jazz, soul, funk, house and disco.

For fans of: Palms Trax, Hunee, Joey Negro Friday December 14 Wigwam €5 - €12

The Canadian-born, Berlin-based DJ and producer is coming back to Dublin.

Her often eccentric approach to DJing is sure to lead to another night of magical dancefloor moments.

For fans of: DJ Fett Burger, Shanti Celeste, Omar S Friday December 14 Button Factory €10 - €15

The Sense regular’s unique take on house and techno paired with his abilities as a DJ have paved the way for his successful career.

For fans of: Floating Points, Dusky, Romare Saturday December 15 Button Factory €15 - €20

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Altern 8 has always been a fan favourite in Ireland. The 90’s saw him release a string of successful rave hits and he has been revered ever since.

For fans of: 2 Bad Mice, Manix, Shades Of Rhythm Friday December 7 Wigwam €10 - €12

Sulta is stopping off in the Button Factory as part of his Irish tour. Support for this sold out event comes from Eclair Fifi.

For fans of: Mall Grab, Mella Dee, Cromby Friday December 7 Button Factory €15 - €22.50

Detroit house icon Terrence Parker will give Dublin a lesson in proper house music this month. You can catch ‘The Telephone Man’ playing a three-hour set with support from his protégé Merachka.

For fans of: Lil’ Louis, Dajae, Ralphi Rosario Saturday December 8 Wigwam €10 - €15

Another stop on Sulta’s Irish tour sees him play District 8 alongside fellow Scottish music heroes and label heads Dixon Avenue Basement Jams.

For fans of: Harri & Domenic, Brame & Hamo, Big Miz Saturday December 8 District 8 €24

Dixon held the top spot on Resident Advisor’s top 100 DJs for four years running due to his innate ability to connect with crowds and he’s back in the city to do again this month.

For fans of: Mano Le Tough, Ame, Agoria Friday December 14 District 8 €15 - €25

UK techno producer Surgeon will be joining the Subject crew for a show at Index this month.

For fans of: Neil Landstrumm, Regis, James Ruskin Friday December 14 Index €10 - €14

The highly-rated artist is brining his years of melodic house experience to Dublin.

For fans of: John Digweed, Guy J, Eelke Kleijn Friday December 14 Yamamori Tengu €10 - €17.50

Rush Hour’s Hunee returns as one of the most respected selectors in the industry. He effortlessly blends classic disco, italo, house and techno in a way that leaves crowds always wanting more.

For fans of: Palms Trax, Antal, Young Marco Saturday December 15 Button Factory €10 - €22

GERD JANSON

FJAAK

AMELIE LENS

THE EMIGRANT DISCO

MALA

SOLARDO

BLAWAN

FOLAMOUR

Running Back label head Gerd Janson has been one of the busiest DJs on the 2018 circuit. He’ll return to Dublin following Boiler Room appearence earlier this year.For fans of: Krystal Klear, Jordan, Shan Saturday December 15 Wigwam €15 - €20

Amelie Lens has been one of the most exciting DJs to come out of Belgium in recentand she’s sure to take the Dublin crowd by storm with her upcoming set.

For fans of: Regal, Len Faki, Boston 168 Thursday December 20 District 8 €15 - €25

The pioneering dubstep producer is making his first Dublin appearance in over seven years this December. Rub A Dub Hi-Fi will be on support in the basement while Bodytonic DJs and Parisian selector Raphael Top-Secret look after room two.

For fans of: Loefah, RSD, Coki Friday December 21 Wigwam €15 - €20

UK techno heavyweight Blawan brings his harsh techno sound to the city centre again this month. The ‘Ternesc’ label head will be joined in Index by Mode_1 and Gary Kavanagh.

For fans of: Truss, Randomer, Tessela Saturday December 22 Index €10 - €14

The Berlin techno group are bringing their live show back to Dublin. They’ve been continuously pushing their unique style in recent years, selling out venues worldwide.

For fans of: Head High, Dax J, I Hate Models Saturday December 15 District 8 €15 - €25

The Emigrant Disco is a party for locals and those returning home for Christmas. Expect house, disco, R&B and more.

For fans of: Hunee, Jayda G, Island Times Friday December 21 Yamamori Tengu €8 - €10

The poster boys of tech-house will play Dublin off the back of a strong summer of festival appearances, including a standout show at Boxed Off. For fans of: Jamie Jones, Patrick Topping, Flashmob Friday December 21 District 8 €15 - €25

The French house and disco maestro is returning to Dublin for an intimate show with the All City Records crew, who released his ‘Shakkei’ EP. For fans of: SHEE, O’Flynn, Hidden Spheres Saturday December 22 Wigwam €5 - €10

DETROIT SWINDLE

Heist Recordings label heads Lars and Marteen have been one of the most consistent acts in house music this decade. They play live at District 8 alongside Lorenze Rhode.

For fans of: Long Island Sound, Folamour, Andy Hart Saturday December 22 District 8 €15 - €20

CHARLOTTE DE WITTE

Belgian techno power house Charlotte de Witte has been taking the scene by storm over the last two or three years. She returns after her set at Higher Vision.

For fans of: Under Black Helmet, Amelie Lens, Boston 168 Sunday December 23 District 8 €15 - €25

MELLA DEE

Experimental producer Mella Dee returns with a set filled with a wide range of influences.

For fans of: Floorplan, Denis Sulta, Big Miz Wednesday December 26 District 8 €15 - €20

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51

KERRI CHANDLER

The iconic house music producer returns for his first Dublin club set in 18 months and he’s playing all night long.

For fans of: Chez Damier, David Morales, Demuja Thursday December 27 District 8 €15 - €25

BEN KLOCK

Back again for his now annual Dublin Christmas date, the techno heavyweight will be supported by Mode_1.

For fans of: Truncate, ROD, DVS1 Friday December 28 District 8 €15 - €25

BOBOFUNK

Back again for his now annual Dublin Christmas date, the techno heavyweight will be supported by Mode_1.

For fans of: Zed Bias, DJ EZ, Goldie Friday December 28 Yamamori Tengu €10

PANGAEA

Pangaea has been long overdue a return to Dublin. The co-founder of Hessle Audio is well-known for his diverse and unpredictable DJ sets.

For fans of: Objekt, Joy Orbison, Peverelist Saturday December 29 Yamamori Tengu €10

ALAN FITZPATRICK

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We Are The Brave label head and regular Drumcode contributor Alan Fitzpatrick is bringing his polished techno sound back to the capital. Support on the night comes from Hybrasil.

For fans of: Adam Beyer, Nic Fanciulli, Harvey McKay Sunday December 30 District 8 €15 - €25

Facebook & Instagram - @framedublin

Frame opened its doors in August 2017 at 53 South William Street. We produce bespoke framing for all projects and work with leading contemporary artists and designers, while also boasting the creative quarter’s most delicious coffee. Our South William Street location hosts regular exhibitions and showcases some of Ireland’s brightest and best emerging artists and designers.

Drop by our store at 53 South William Street for a Framing consultation on your next project or to try one of our tasty coffees. You should also follow our instagram for any upcoming events and news.

53

54 Words: Jordan Kinlan

D

enis Sulta is just approaching his mid-twenties and for an artist widely regarded as the next big thing in the clubbing world, I didn’t expect to meet someone so level-headed. There’s certainly something remarkable about Sulta, real name Hector Barbour.

It took a while to get a hold of him (almost six months) but when we finally did rendezvous, it was a 48-hour window in which he would make his AVA Festival debut on their Boiler Room stage, and take a quick ride down to Dublin to play at Forbidden Fruit Festival.

Somehow, I managed to squeeze myself into that hectic schedule for an extended conversation with the rapidly-ascending artist.

For people who don’t know who Barbour is, he’s a young Glaswegian DJ and producer who has risen to success quickly, but welldeservingly. Most people will know him for his 2015 hit ‘It’s Only Real’, but he spent many years grafting up and down Scotland, and earning his stripes in Rubadub, an influential record shop in Glasgow.

At AVA Festival as he was too focused on his Boiler Room set to divulge too much information, but as we took the car to his dressing room following his set at Forbidden Fruit, he took a moment to compose himself and opened up with plaudits for the Dublin city centre festival.

“I feel absolutely minced, I can’t believe that just happened, the reaction in that tent was just overwhelming. I had no idea about the size and scale of this event, everyone that has been involved in this has done a seriously good job.”

Artists often don’t ‘find their sound’ until they’re in the later stages of their careers, so I was interested in finding out how he managed to craft such a distinct sound for himself. The sound that heaves festival tents and clubs the world over.

“I don’t know really, I guess I just made music that was important to me. I only worked on a couple of instruments that I knew how to use and it just came naturally, I didn’t want to sound like anybody else, I wanted to sound like me. All of my songs are either based on a story or a feeling towards a person, or some sort of interaction.

They are all little stories that otherwise I would not be able to articulate or express properly.”

So does he find it difficult to articulate his experiences outside of creating art?

“Exactly! The thing is, it’s quite inherited in young men especially to not talk about our feelings. It seems to be kind of a hard thing to do. For me, it’s a very big release being able to say what I want to say through music and I’m glad I found a real release through that. But, I’d encourage everyone to make music that is from the heart.

“Everybody makes music for different reasons, and there are people out there who make music for money because they are really good at making music. The thing is, you have to find a way to live, so there’s nothing wrong with making music and making a living from it, but there has to be some sort of morally sound part of it. The people who I’ve worked with who make music for a living, like proper producers, they’re not bad people, and they’re not doing it for the wrong reasons, but those guys don’t DJ, they don’t play shows, they sit and they make music in the studio. That’s their living. Make music for the reasons you think are important, and if you can find a way of making a living from it, then do it!”

In a flash we were thirty minutes deep in conversation. It was clear to see Barbour spoke from the heart, so we took some time to reflect on his career, and in particular ‘It’s Only Real’…

“I remember it very well, I was sitting working on the drums for ages and ages! I didn’t really know what to do with the track, I got really frustrated, and I was trying way too hard. At the end of the night, I was like, ‘Fuck this’. So I unplugged my laptop, sat in my bed, played a melody on the keyboard of my Mac and listened through my laptop speakers. I then layered the melody and thought to myself, ‘This is fun’, like a daft little thing, but I think that kind of made it what it was. It’s not produced amazingly, it was just me. I wasn’t trying too hard, it was just me jamming in my bed. I can’t tell you how surprised I am that it did so well and thank you to everyone that supported it!”

I had to ask him about a track that echoed quite deeply with me called ‘MSNJ’ that featured on Jackmaster’s DJ Kicks.

According to Barbour, it’s a track that’s close to his heart.

“It’s got quite a deep meaning for me, and I’m very chuffed that it resonated with you,” he says.

We move on to his second family, Rubadub.

At the mere mention of the Glaswegian institution, Barbour filled up with gratitude and spoke out.

“I cannot stress enough how important Rubadub has been for me. Working there and being involved in the family meant a lot to me, those guys are just amazing.

I’ve got so much to thank them for and I’m so grateful for everything they’ve taught me.”

It was a little disappointing not to get time with Barbour before his Boiler Room set. Gauging his mood before such a momentous moment would have been incredibly interesting, but that would have been for purely selfish reasons.

“Do you know what man, I’m going to be honest... I was losing a lot of sleep over it. It’s

a huge opportunity and honour to not only be asked to play AVA, which I’ve wanted to play ever since it started, but also to do the Boiler Room stage, it was incredible.

The support I’ve had in Belfast has been mind blowing, so I wanted to do everybody proud. Looked after myself, practiced loads for it. I just thought to myself, ‘Everything is contextual’ – you could play a ‘cool’ underground set for an hour, by you know what, if I’m going to be at a festival, outdoors, on Saturday, the sun is out, everyone’s going mental, let’s have fucking fun today! It was bonkers man.

“The worst thing is though, you turn up half an hour early and everyone is like, ‘Are you nervous yet? You must be shitting yourself’, and I’m just like, ‘Yeah I am, that’s not fucking helping, Jesus Christ’. But it was great, and there’s no point in being nervous because once you are prepared, and ready to rock, everything is fine.”

The interview was drawing to a close. By now, most of his hectic weekend schedule was over and he was beginning to feel more at ease. Wrapping up I asked him how he spends his downtime in his current home Berlin.

“Monday, Tuesday, I don’t want to fucking hear a kick drum. Not even the slightest little bit of a snare, nothing. Peace and quiet, you know? Sleep, order Deliveroo.”

Get a Domino’s pizza or something, I ask?

“Mate, I fucking hate Domino’s. It’s just my reflection time when I’m off, and that’s important because if you don’t sit back and think critically of how you were over the weekend, then you don’t get any better.

Thinking about stuff is just as good as physically practicing.”

Denis Sulta plays Button Factory on December 7, District 8 on December 8 & Wigwam on December 9.

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Words: Rosie Gogan-Keogh / Photography: Faolán Carey

“We wanted people to know that we existed, to know that if when you are in the club and someone grabs your ass and says something creepy that we exist and you can come over to us…”

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A

year on from the launch of Club Comfort, their Dublin-based monthly party, we caught up with the club’s founders Roo Honeychild, Jack Colley and Cian Murphy to talk about how a 21st birthday party in Jack’s parent’s kitchen evolved into one of the city’s most important nights.

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were looking at other club parties around Europe and the States. strong

Roo: The name came from the the dress code we were thinking of at the time. We were really into tracksuits.

Jack: We were struggling to come up with a theme just out of thin air, but then we realised that the party we wanted to do was aimed towards inclusivity and fun.

Jack: All I really wanted was that I could wear tracksuit and dance and I was thinking of what that dress code would be.

Roo: Parties aesthetics.

that

had

super

Jack: We were fantasising about it for ages, but it was just a fantasy thing. It didn’t have a name, it didn’t have anything.

Roo: We manifesto!

had

something

like

a

Jack: There was considerably more thought than you would think!

Roo: When we linked up with Cian, that’s when it turned into something real.

On meeting Jack: Myself and Roo have known each other since we were five years old.

Roo: We were in primary school and secondary school together but we really didn’t like each other until we were 16 or 17.

I’m pretty sure we hated each other for a long time!

Jack: When we were 16 we all started to open up a bit, our walls started to come down and we played in bands together. I had been into electronic music and dance music for quite a while and then I started DJing and a lot of our friends started coming around, including Roo. She got a knack for DJing, just by coming around. I met Cian when I played at his night that he was running three years ago.

Cian: I think I gave you one of your first gigs, Jack? I was running this club night called Palisade that was similarly aesthetically minded. One time we covered the whole wall with tin foil and we got these artificial plants and we put them everywhere and people came up and took photos. Some people were like, ‘it’s different, but I’m just here for house music downstairs’. That was when Jack approached me to do something similar.

On starting out Roo: We had been talking about doing something for a year and a half before we ever did anything.

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Jack: There had been a void. We have been going to clubs for a while, and when Twisted Pepper closed no one seemed to step up and fill that void. Initially we wanted to do something highly conceptual because we

The name

Jack: We had two soft launches before we actually got to it. One was for my 21st in my parent’s kitchen. I had met this guy, Aikido, who I had been a huge fan of. Within like 20 minutes of meeting him, I was like, ‘Do you want to come play at my birthday?’, he was like, ‘Yeah, if you pay for my flights’.

Cian: The idea of a UK-based DJ coming over to play at a house party, it was something that hadn’t been done that many times, because it’s insane.

Jack: That lead to how we wanted to approach putting parties together, and how we would book artists.

Cian: And that’s the thing, it was going against the dress code, like people ultimately being comfortable.

Roo: Yeah and it went from being material comfort to almost a kind of philosophy. Even before I listened to electronic music properly, I knew I wanted to become a club promoter because I watched ‘Party Monster’ when I was 14. I was obsessed with it and I bought five-inch Buffalo tower platform shoes, and I was like I want to be a club promoter, that’s what I’m going to do.

The hosts Roo: The next big element that made it was to get Liath Hannon and Angel Honeychild involved. The idea was that Angel Honeychild would be the MC and Liath could bring some theatricality. I have friends in New York and I’ve noticed that they have hosts over there. We made it a point at our first party that me and Jack were going to sit at the door and greet everyone. I really wanted to emphasise this face-to-face thing: to meet everyone, to talk to people, get to know people. We wanted people to know that we existed, to know that if when you are in the club and grabs your ass and says something creepy that we exist and you can come over to us and say this happened.

Jack: And people do, people really do.

Roo: We can’t always do loads, but we are going to do what we can do because the whole point of the thing is that it’s somewhere that people can be comfortable.

Jack: We’ve expanded our host circle so much.

Cian: We’ve strengthened it as well. I wouldn’t have known Robyn [Deane] or Dylan [Kerr] that well before starting Club Comfort, now they have become very dear to me.

The music Jack: Myself, Roo and Cian are all hugely into the music, but we identify that that’s not the most important part.

Jack: I was confident that it would strike a chord, that there was the space for that to exist, but not to the extent that it has transpired.

Roo: It kind of emerged almost fully formed... Not fully, fully formed, because we have a million ideas about what we want to do next and how it will evolve, but in terms of the idea that we envisioned, about creating a space where pageantry and theatricality come to life and a place you can come to if you want to just wear a tracksuit.

Cian: Even just to be there to dance and enjoy it.

Roo: Nobody feels bad about it, or self-conscious or whatever. That feeling popped out immediately and it was weird because, on one hand, we were definitely anxious before.

I think me and Jack are both definitely prone to view things differently sometimes.

Jack: And actually, for the first one, I had wanted to push it back a month for two weeks before.

Roo: We had to have a sit down with Jack.

Roo: We want to have a party that’s for the people, by the people, for the whoever. And we still get to expose really cutting edge, really good, music.

Jack: But if anything, that’s the best environment to put that music in.

Roo: And also, with the artists that we bring, we have created what we think is the best club ever.

Cian: I’m proud of it, obviously I’m older than the others, so I feel I can take a step back and say, ‘This is actually so incredible’. You know, when you first go to the club, like 17, 18, and you love the idea because it’s new and it’s different. But I’m 26 and I’m like, ‘Gosh, this is actually really good’. Genuinely, the first thing that people are saying is that everybody is so nice, so happy to be there.

Roo: It was like we sent out the club night that we knew we wanted, and people just immediately understood. It was like we were speaking the same language to a lot of people we didn’t know existed.

Jack: We had a bit of a standoff, because I was like, ‘I don’t think we are ready’.

Roo: And I was like, ‘Just do it!’.

Cian: Let’s just do it, and I think Roo was definitely completely right, I think we just needed to get it off the ground.

Roo: Yeah, it’s my baby, I’m a little bit attached, it’s the best feeling ever.

Club Comfort: 2nd Annual Fur Fetish Gala with Martha & Airmax ‘97 takes place on December 28 in Yamamori Tengu.

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62Photography: Greg Purcell

I

f you don’t know what to do, give.”

That’s the line that resonated so deeply with photographer Mark William Logan that he was compelled to act on it.

“I heard it very early one morning on the Sunday of Body&Soul, my mind was blown. That idea of giving, giving yourself to the present moment, giving your energy to people, coming from a place of not looking for anything in return... I think it’s an important message to put out, specifically when we are looking at issues we are facing in society, in Dublin, in Ireland, in our communities, in our own selves. It just feels like there is a lot of noise and there are a lot of distractions; there is a lot of confusion.”

Mark is the founder of Collective Dublin, a group of videographers, editors, photographers and creatives who are visual storytellers. They create documentaries, artistic and corporate, but this December the crew have decided to do something different, all in the name of fighting homelessness in our city.

From December 13 to 16 The Copper House Gallery will play host to 18 artists of various disciplines, all of whom will create a piece to sell as either a limited run print or a once off original artwork. The aim is to raise in excess of €50,000 for Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH). As well as the artists donating their talents, Mark says the wider creative community has been equally as helpful, with the likes of SUBSET producing a mural in the run up to the exhibition and FRAME on South William Street supplying the frames for the pieces.

“That’s a testament to the beauty of Dublin. In the space of two hours the venue and most of the artists were on board.

“If you’re coming from a good place, and the idea is fucking good, people will get on board very quickly. New York, Los Angeles, there is this kind of deliberation like ‘Oh, I’ll see, I’ll weigh up my options’, but here they’re into it. They’re like, ‘Yep okay!’.”

While hitting their target of €50,000 for ICHH is high on the agenda, conversation is also an integral part of GiVE. “Let’s actually come together and meditate on how we can be better meditate on empathy, on love. Also bring people who have suffered, who have been on the streets for 10 years, who have had heroin addictions, and talk to them about how they pulled through that.

“How do we bring our society closer to those who are homeless? Is it through volunteering and going to meet the issue where it is, or how do we bring those people back into society again? Those are all questions that I have, and I don’t have the fucking answers. All I know is let’s give, let’s come together, let’s create work, let’s humanise the issue, let’s create conversation, and then from that, who the fuck knows what’s going to happen?”

To keep this conversation creative, the focal point will be the art itself. Mark and Collective have tapped into Dublin’s creative well to recruit painters, sculptors, tattoo artists, photographers and more involved in the exhibition. They’ve been having regular meetings and sit-downs which has fostered a sense of community between the group.

“There’s really good energy involved. We are all helping curate one another’s work as well, but also leaving people open to curating their own work. It just feels like coming together as a group of people who all create art their own way and have their own ideals.

“I felt like everyone had the same sentiment and wants to do something that matters, create work that is relevant, that is sellable, that will make a difference with regards to the finances, but also the perception that people need to tap into and evolve. It felt like such a mind pool of banging energy, to share ideas, critique one another without being harsh and that’s something that I’d like to continue.”

A number of original artworks will be on sale, as well as A3 print editions of fifty, to help them reach their lofty target. However, Mark says even if you’re not in a position to purchase a piece there’s a lot to be gained from dropping by.

“Just come and have a chat, pop down and just be in the space. There’ll be lot of different events in the space, from live conversations, to live music to vinyl sets, to performance art to potentially some sound healing and meditation with a focus on expanding empathy and trying to carry that forward.”

GiVE takes place in The Copper House Gallery, December 13-16.

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“I was pretty shocked when I first moved to Dublin by the homeless problem, of course it happens in France, but here it shocked me, probably because of the weather.�

Sacha Strange

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“Cold sky in place of a roof.”

Ellius Grace

65

“One thing that a homeless man said to me a few weeks ago was, ‘Being homeless makes me feel very very small’.”

Molly Keane

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“I really wanted to demonstrate the word ‘give’ in a very visual sense… Giving warmth, giving energy.”

Sinead Bailey-Kelly

“A window looks out on an empty street as day turns to night.”

George Voronov

67

“My relationship to death informs my work. In the last two years I have developed a remarkable relationship with the Universe. Unfortunately I had to come this close to death to understand what life is actually all about. To understand myself and my life’s purpose has come through slowing down and understanding the moment.

“I am no one, nothing, I am getting beyond the anticipation of my future which was operating from my past of getting that tough diagnosis a few years ago. I have been trying to overcome this over the last year and a half and live in the moment and not give this disease any more thought. Feck it, what’s the point in wasting my time on this notion that I could die tomorrow? Live now, creating my lifewreaths in pure bliss and harmony and the rest will follow.

“We are the operators of our own destiny.

The world can be a magical energetic place if we just allow ourselves to tap into that.”

Fiona Cribben 68

Photography: Charles Moriarty

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TRIPLE DISTILLED. DOUBLE CHARRED. WHY? TASTE, THAT’S WHY.

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Artwork Final size = (H)1800mm x (W)1200mm Artwork set at 50% of final size=(H)900mm x (W)600mm Live area = (H)850mm x (W)550mm Generated at: Tue Oct 23 17:28:58 2018

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Ans Rya The Edw Luc The or many, the Dublin pub is a sacred place. In a top notch boozer the air Ton is different, and that has nothing to do with the smoking ban. Some of the best The ideas that ever were and never came to be were devised over a few pints, propping up Dice the bar or hidden away in a snug.

For rap and production duo Mango x Lon MathMan pubs are an essential part of the capital’s culture, and it was in many of the Edw city’s watering holes where the pair cut their teeth, learnt their craft and met the right Luc people.

In the name of journalism, we followed the The partners in grime to six of their favourite pubs and they filled us in on why each one Ton has been so important to their social and artistic lives.

Ber Bar McD Ans Rya The G Edw T Luc S The Gl Ton Ed The Fra Dice Lon Lon Ans Edw Bar Luc Ton e The Sha w Ton Glim me The Edw ar Dice Fra nk LonHal g H a Ans Wigw e o T Bar McD Gro Ton Ans ers Sha Rya T w

MANGO O G AN X N A MATHMAN M H AT

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MAS T S I R THE 6 BOOZERS F CH OF CHRISTMAS O S R E OOZ B WITH

Words: Eric Davidson / Photography: George Voronov

F

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Anseo The Bernard Ryan’s Dice Bar Grog The Long Hall McDai Edward Wigwam Anse Lucky’s Frank Ryan’ The Glimmerman The Toners The Lord Edw The Bernard Shaw L Dice Bar Grogan’s T Long Hall McDaids Edward Wigwam Anse Lucky’s Frank Ryan’ The Glimmerman The Toners The Lord Edwa Bernard Shaw Lucky BarGrogan’sTheGlimm McDaids Toners The L Anseo The Bernard The Bernard Shaw Ryan’s Dice Bar Grog South Richmond Street The Long Hall McDai MathMan: “The Bernard Shaw came around at a time when there was nothing like it Edward Wigwam Anse in Dublin city. It was the first place that was open to everybody with a completely Lucky’s Frank Ryan’ different music policy. You could have a bunch of college students in here, tourists, The Glimmerman The a few techno heads over in the corner, photographers, all of those people were Toners The Lord Edw mixing.

The Bernard Shaw L Mango: “It’s the ultimate pre-going out spot.

It’s also great for roll-over sessions… Sunday Dice Bar Grogan’s T you come in here, the decks are set up, you’re nursing a few pints. This place during Long Hall McDaids the summer… There’s nowhere better.”

Edward Wigwam Anse MathMan: “It’s for the culture. They let you take risks. We had our first Boom Bap Lucky’s Frank Ryan’ BBQ here with The Animators. That was a revolutionary day for urban music in Ireland The Glimmerman The and that was only six years ago.” e B ern Toners The Lord Edw a“Ir Mango: think that was Hare Squead’s r G d SBobby Basil and second gig or something? rog h hipw The Bernard Shaw L a Chris Montana played. I hosteda hop n aid ’ L s u bingo…

Even if you look at all the old pictures s Th c ky’ Bar Grogan’s The Dice TCody Erica and people who weree youngerG on eo s F l enow i back then but are were The m ran restablished m s An e Hall McDaids coming through for the BBQ. k R Toner B r T s e and n man he Bar y “This place r the a [Twisted] Pepper an’ L T r o G Wigw am The Glimmer h s big for that. If you just hungd around rd r e L D Sha ogpeople McD were bump into and that would ong an E w d ayou’d w ’ s McDaids Toners The L i L dyou give ard uck Ha sconfidence to go do something o T The he artistically.” Tone y ’s F Bernard Wig Glim Anseo The Ber rs r wa a a74 m The nar nk r G erm Rya d S Ryan’s Dice Bar Grog Lor rog an haw cDa n d E an’ T he d s i

Shaw Lucky’s Frank gan’s The Glimmerman ids Toners The Lord eo The Bernard Shaw ’s Dice Bar Grogan’s e Long Hall McDaids dward Wigwam Anseo Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s The Glimmerman The s Toners The Lord eo The Bernard Shaw ’s Dice Bar Grogan’s e Long Hall McDaids ardWigwam Anseo The y’s Frank Ryan’s Dice mermanTheLongHall Lord Edward Wigwam Shaw Lucky’s Frank gan’s The Glimmerman ids Toners The Lord eo The Bernard Shaw ’s Dice Bar Grogan’s e Long Hall McDaids dward Wigwam Anseo Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s The Glimmerman The s Toners The Lord eo The Bernard Shaw ’s Dice Bar Grogan’s e Long Hall McDaids dward Wigwam Anseo Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s e Glimmerman The Long rs The Lord Edward s eo rman The Long Hall Dic e Lord Edward Wigwam a ll Sha w Lucky’s Frank wa m gan’s The Glimmerman n’s

Anseo Camden Street MathMan: “I used to come here when I was in college a long time ago. It was come as you are, get the pints in, one minute you’d have mad reggae coming out of the soundsystem and next you’d have disco or funk. But, my perspective has changed forever since seeing ‘Dublin Oldschool’. For me, now that front seat is forever ‘Dublin Oldschool’. Man, that was the comedown session…”

Mango: “This is a very Sunday after the night before spot. After a heavier one I come in here with Tara [Stewart] and slink in.”

MathMan: “Thinking back to the time when this opened, if you look around this street, this pub was anti-everything else around it. There was never anywhere else around here where your average Dubliner could come around and have a pint without being annoyed about not having shoes and slacks on.

“They’re supportive of so many subcultures of music in the city. The DJs in here are crate-diggers, musos and absolute anoraks in the best possible way, because they had that 45.”

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Lucky’s Meath Street MathMan: “Someone like John Mahon [owner of Lucky’s], as a person who gave so much to Dublin culture, it’s great to see him starting his own business. It’s supporting Irish, and supporting people who are great cultural ambassadors for the city. Now it’s time for him to get his thing off the ground.”

Mango: “This street is mad. It’s probably a tough street to open a new boozer on, especially a boozer like this. For me, this street is one of the last stands of old Dublin.

This and Talbot Street are what Dublin is in my head. So to have a new Irish business here is great to see. While the branches and multinationals are swooping in, you still have someone putting it down for the city.”

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rma Edw ard Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s Fra W nk The Glimmerman The RyaL Lon g H Edw Toners The Lord all An seo M The Bernard ThLuc BarShaw e B Gro Dice Bar T Grogan’s Th ga one n’ rs Long Hall ShaMcDaids The w L Glim amL uck Edward Wigw Anseo y’s mer Edw man Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s ard T Rya W The Glimmerman The L i g wa n’s DiEdw McDLord ce ar Toners The aid Bar sLucky’s BeSha T Bernard w one rna r rd T BarGrogan’sTheS Glimme h aw h L McDaids Toners The Lo e Anseo The Bernard Sh Ryan’s Dice Bar Groga The Long Hall McDaid Edward Wigwam Anseo Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s Frank Ryan’s Queen Street The Glimmerman The L “Every day he goes home and TonersMango: The Lord Edw makes beats [discussing a question about competitiveness between the duo as The Bernard w Luc they’re playing pool in Frank Sha Ryan’s].”

Dice Bar Grogan’s Th MathMan: “Honestly, sincerely, I don’t think anybody in this country can match the work Long Hall ethic I have. Whether itMcDaids comes to music, pushing the art forward, giving people Edward Wigwam Anseo opportunities…

Lucky’s Frank Mango: “I can hit some advice toRyan’s other people, but seeing what [MathMan] puts The Glimmerman L in and seeing what happens as a result of The nobody can go near him. That’s not Tonersthat, Lord Edw evenThe in the last two years in the hype of things with us, I’m talking since the start of The Bernard Shaw Luc the decade.

Dice Bar Grogan’s MathMan: “To go back though, there’sThe G no competitiveness between myself and Hall McDaids Toners Mango. All we try to do is match each other.

If I send something to him he’ll be like, ‘Ok, Wigwam The Glimmerm I got you’.

People work in different ways, it might take me four hours to write a song, McDaids Toners The Lo it might take him four months to finish a track, and that’s not a bad thing. He’s so Anseo The Bernard Sh disciplined with his pen. He’s not going to it to me until it’s ready, and that’s a bar Ryan’s show Dice we’ve set with eachBar other. This is us. Groga Since The Animators days the bottom line has been ‘future classics’. If this can’t stand the test of time, when we’re all dead and gone, then what’s the point in doing it?”

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ers ern Gro ard Th gan Sha Ton ’s T ard Shaw Lucky’s Frank w L he ers G The Sha lim rogan’s The Glimmerman me w L Lor u d c cDaids Toners TheGLord E lim ky’ dwa mer s F ran man Anseo The BernardE Sha w dwa k T r h d W e Lo Fra yan’s Dice Bar Grogan’s igw ng nk am H R L y ong Ans an’ The Long Hall McDaids sD Hal eo ice nse lM d Edward WigwamAAnseo Bar cDa o Th G B i d a eB s aw Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s rG T ern one rog Ton ard a n n’s The Glimmerman The ers ’s T Sha he Sha The G aids Toners The w Lord lim Lor Luc me Glim dE k d y Anseo The Bernard m Sha w wa ’s F erm rd Edw r a a n T n ard yan’s Dice Bar Grogan’s k R he Fra ya W L o i gwa nk ng The Long Hall McDaids Hal Rya m A Lon n’s nse g H The EdwardWigwam Anseo Dic all o T Ans e B h M eo Dice cD a ucky’s Frank B Ryan’s r T a G h ids ar ro e B Gro Ton e GlimmermanThe Long Hall r nar Ton ers gan eWigw d ’ s r S The Lord Edw ard am s T The haw Sha he G w L l L imm ord ard Shaw Lucky’s Frank Luc Glim e rm Edw ky’ mer s F a rogan’s The Glimmerman Ed r m ran d W an wa T i k r h d cDaids Toners The Lord e L Rya Rya Wig ong wa n’s n’s mA Dic Anseo The Bernard Sha w McD H a nse eB ll aid ar o M s T B yan’sDiceDice Bar Grogan’s Gro he B ern Ton Bar gan er ard ers Street T Hall The Queen Long McDaids ’s T Sha The he h w L G L MathMan: “Only reason I ever started o d Edw ard Wigw am Anseo uck rd e drinking here, ten years ago, was because Edw y’s I knew Republic of Loose drank here, F aw Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s r ank swear to god, facts only. They’re probably in my top five Irish bands of all time. What R n’s The Glimmerman The other Irish band do you know had an collaboration with a member of The The aids official Toners Lord Lox? AnseoMango: The Bernard Shaw “Wait, what?” yan’sMathMan: Dice Bar Grogan’s “Republic of Loose had Styles P ‘I Like Music’...”

The on Long Hall McDaids Mango: “Fuck off.” Wigw d Edw ard am Anseo MathMan: “How did youse not know this! aw Lucky’s Frank Ryan’s Not only are these brothers urban music royalty, but Loose are groundbreakers… The Long The Glimmerman So as late teens, early 20s we used to that this place must be the spot. If nersthink The Lord Edward people we idolised in Irish music, making something that had never come out ofLong here mmerman The Hall before, drank here we wanted to see if we could connect with them.”

The Lord Edw ard Wigwam ard Shaw Lucky’s Frank 78 rogan’s The Glimmerman

wa uck e G Lon rd lim y’s g W m Fra igw erm Lor am nk an d E Luc Rya The d w ky’ ard n’s Lon s F erm W g r i H g ank all wa a m A Rya ard n The nse n’s Lon Wig o D g w ice Rya am H a Bar Ans ll n’s McD eoT Dic Hal aid e B heB l Mc s a e r Dai rna o T G r ds T oga he rd Ber one n’s Gro nar The rs T gan d S he L ’s T ers haw ord he The G Luc l aw i m L ord ky’ mer Luc s E m k dwa an erm y’s T rd he Fra an Wig The nk dW wa Rya Lon igw m n a g ’s D mA H an’ a ice ll M nse s D c o i c D T ll M e B aid he ar s Ber cDa Gro nar ids he gan Ton d Ber ’s T e nar rs oga he The d S n’s h L T s T ord aw he he G L l u i Lor mme cky Luc d E r ’s m ky’ d a w n s a man The rd Fra Wig The nk wa Rya Lon igw m am n’s g H A a D nse ll M s D ice o i c c e Dai The Grogan’s Bar Mc ds B South Street DWilliam e aid r G nar rog s T rnMango: d an’ oboozer ar “Grogan’s is the greatest n ers s T d ever.

I get my mail delivered here.

I’ve gotten S haw Glparcels he The imm delivered here. I walked in, asked for L u e Lor a pint and the fella behind bar said, ‘Oh cky r mthe wa d a ’ Mango, something here for you’. s n rI have Fra The d W nk Lon ig Ry MathMan: So w comfortable, an“It’s’ home, man. a g m Hal speople, because of the the space, the Ans Dic l environment and the quality of e the pint of e o T Bar Guinness.” he Gro g an’ Mango: “I walk in there and just say ‘two’ s and they know what I want. Two creamy

he

ones, straight over the counter for you, man. All we’re doing is cash, no cards, it’s your problem, and you’ll still keep coming back.”

MathMan: “It’s also been a home for a lot of outcasts and creative people in the city. It’s where poets, writers, bodhran players will all come for a pint.”

Mango: “Tara was away and I went and bought a paper and sat at the bar and had a few pints. It was like, ‘Oh my god, all of my uncles are right. This is an amazing way to spend an evening’.

Honourable mentions: The Glimmerman, Stoneybatter The Long Hall, George’s Street McDaids, Harry Street Toners, Baggot Street The Lord Edward, Wood Quay Wigwam [formerly The Twisted Pepper], Abbey Street

MathMan: “The Daily Star isn’t a paper, Mango.”

Mango x MathMan present: No Surrender in Wigwam’s basement on December 27.

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80 Words: Caitriona Devery / Photography: George Voronov

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

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n the 1800’s British merchants did a roaring trade in smuggling opium, a highly addictive poppy derivative, into China. The Chinese government were naturally unhappy with the steady stripping of Chinese silver alongside mass addiction and this led to two wars and prohibition.

But the habit was hard to kick. When Chinese migrants left China in the 19th century they brought pipe-smoking opium dens with them to England, the US and elsewhere. These dens became emblems of underworldly iniquity, romanticised as exotic sites of literary and artistic inspiration.

It’s safe to say Opium on Wexford Street is not full of people smoking mind-bending pipes, although it does have an attractive smoking garden. It’s a mix of minimalism and opulence with a relaxed, loungey vibe and a pan-Asian inspired menu that looks to Thailand, Vietnam and Japan for inspiration.

It’s busy, particularly at the weekend, but manages to stay comfortable and chill.

The décor has a contemporary Japanese feel with bold graphic art on the walls, dark wooden floors, luxurious leather booths and pretty orange patterned lanterns dotted above the long bar at the back.

We started with cocktails from their Asian-inspired list, which caters to different palates whether delicate and fruity or strong and serious. The Mango Bang Bang is Tanqueray gin with lightly tannic Gunpowder and mango tea, sweetened with mango and lychee syrup. The Paloma Sling has a tequila buzz with bitter notes from Aperol and San Pellegrino grapefruit soda sweetened up with agave syrup. Both were refreshing but complex; sweetly fruity but not overly so.

Nothing like tequila on a Wednesday.

The best thing about food like this is how it manages to be light but also satisfying.

The flavours are zingy, varying from subtle to punchy. There are a diverse section of

starters and small plates, which I love as I am incredibly indecisive. The menu gives you the options of snacking with some cocktails or going for a more traditional starter-main course configuration. If you’re not drinking cocktails there are light Asian beers and a compact but varied wine list.

Manager Mario recommends the Riesling or the Pinot Noir as the most traditional winematches for this type of food. We went for some light and sparkling prosecco.

If you’re a dumpling fan (who isn’t?), there are two types of dumplings on the menu.

The first type are handmade gyoza with shrimp and snow pea, pork and ginger, or mushroom and smoked garlic. These come with a very addictive black vinegar, soy and sesame dip. The second is more of a boat-pusher; scallop and prawn. The sweet and delicate seafood parcels come in a clean but rich consommé. The broth has all the big South East Asian flavours - ginger, lemongrass, kafir lime chili. The ‘hirata buns’ or bao are top notch, we tried the Thai po’ boy; the soft, pillowy buns filled with crunchy fried soft shell crab, tangy green papaya remoulade and salad. There’s also a char siu BBQ pork number.

For mains there are dishes from across Asia: curries, soups, stir-fries, noodle dishes and salads from Thailand, Malaysia, China and Vietnam. There are a range of spice levels available if you want to feel the heat. Mario says the curries are particularly popular and you can see why.

The duck-red curry, pimped with extra chili, was wintry-warming and flavoursome, the coconut milk adding a soft sweetness that offsets the chili kick. There are lots of delicious additions including cute little pea aubergines, bamboo shoots, lychees and pineapple.

The twice-cooked suckling pork belly was also a winner, caramelised and sticky on the outside, rich and tasty flavours with chili, garlic, scallions and bean sprouts on the inside. We tried the morning glory for some nutritious greenery on the side; a delicious Chinese spinach-like vegetable that comes with sesame and chili. Desserts are tropical and rich, like the white chocolate and mango chocolate cheesecake. Think a creamy caramel taste offset by tangy roast pineapple and passion fruit, with a ginger nut base. Or try the apple and rhubarb puffs with five-spice, cinnamon ice-cream and butterscotch.

They do a great-value early-bird Sunday to Wednesday from 5pm-7:30pm. It’s €21.95 for two course and €24.95 for three of any of the à la carte dishes. It’s a fusion-style menu which pays respect to the origins of dishes without being slavish and it changes at least twice a year to reflect the seasons.

Like the décor, the menu shows huge attention to detail. There’s obviously been a big effort to source Asian ingredients rather than substitute. The salads are great in hot weather but the curries and spicy dishes work particularly well in our wintry, damp months. The menu is very amenable to gluten free and vegetarian/vegan needs as rice noodles and tofu can be subbed in.

In general Asian food is light on dairy but all dishes can be made dairy free.

The restaurant is quite separate to the club upstairs, but at the back there’s a sweet ‘Botanic Garden’ where you can smoke and have a drink. The restaurant is the perfect place for after work drinks and eats. It’s hopping on Fridays and Saturdays too. Wexford and Camden Street can be hectic, but the soothing tunes, luscious cocktails and food at Opium will transport you to the other side of the world. opium.ie

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Words: Caitriona Devery / Photography: George Voronov

VIETNAMESE,

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PLEASE

“S

o have you spent a summer in Vietnam as well?” Barry Wallace asks me when I pop into his new spot Pang on Kevin street. I actually haven’t, but he tells me it seems like every second customer has, and they want to revisit the vibrant cuisine they found there. Vietnamese food certainly seems to be having a moment in Dublin with both traditional and ‘Vietnaminspired’ spots popping up around the city.

It’s fresh, healthy and perfect for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets, so you can see why it is booming.

Vietnamese recipes aim to achieve a balance of five fundamental tastes.

These correspond to five philosophical and emotional elements that are based on Chinese yin and yang. They are sweet, sour, salty, bitter and hot and they are the building blocks of Vietnamese cooking. The harmony of these is as key in food as it is in life.

The flavours of Vietnamese food also reflect native traditions and colonial influences: Vietnam has been occupied

by China, Japan, India and most notably in food terms, by France. The French annexed Vietnam for less than a hundred years, but there are culinary traces; techniques and ingredients that have been worked into the local landscape. The most famous Vietnamese dish is probably the fragrant pho, a rich French-style beef broth (traditionally) with rice noodles and handfuls of crunchy bean sprouts, fresh coriander and basil, and thin slices of hot red chillies on top.

Another French-Vietnamese mash-up is the banh mi; crusty French-style bread, traditionally featuring cold-cuts of meat and pâté fillings, with slicked pickles, fresh herbs and spicy mayonnaise. It’s an intercontinental belter of a sandwich and it is amazing. The Brits should take note, they were here for 800 years and couldn’t even leave behind a decent snack! The most significant food-related heritage out of that whole business is the potato, and we all know how that turned out.

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Pho Viet on Parnell Street was the first Vietnamese restaurant in Dublin, and I’m guessing in Ireland. Owner Tri Nguyen came over in 1979 on a boat, not long after the Vietnam War ended. I spoke to daughter Kim, who thinks there were under two hundred Vietnamese in Ireland then, but there are a few thousand now. Her dad had worked as a chef in Hong Kong. In 2012 he and his wife Tuyet, who’d arrived to Ireland in 1990, opened Pho Viet on an auspicious date -12/12/12.

She says that as time has passed Irish people have become more familiar with the food, “We get a lot of customers saying they visited Vietnam”.

There are regional differences to Vietnamese food. Kim tells me, “My family are from Saigon in the south so the flavours are lighter”.

Pho is their most popular dish.

It takes a long time to prepare, “sometimes my parents are here until 5 or 6 in the morning”. That is dedication. They have two different broths, one for meateaters and one for vegetarians and they’ve noticed lots more vegetarians and vegans in recent years.

The menu at Pho Viet has all the top hits. We tried the cha gio, fried rolls which were tasty, crispy bites. If you’ve already had pho, why not try its spicier brother Bún bò Huế, beef pieces, delicious sausage, and rice noodles in a rich chili and lemongrass broth dotted with red oil. Another Vietnamese classic is the laceedged yellow pancake, the banh xeo. It’s a crispy crepe filled with prawn, pork, bean sprouts and onion and comes with a fishsauce and chili dip. There are lots of noodle, rice dishes, stir fries and grilled meats. Finish with a Vietnamese coffee, a strong coffee mixed with condensed milk to create an almost chocolatey experience.

The chefs in Pho Viet are from Vietnam and the food they cook is traditional with a few small exceptions.

“Both my parents are Vietnamese,” Kim says. “They want to bring our culture into Ireland. We import all the ingredients to make dishes in the traditional way. We get a lot of reviews saying this is really traditional Vietnamese food.”

Kim’s parents want people to know more about Vietnamese food and get the two countries better acquainted.

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“It’s the same in Vietnam, not a lot of people know where Ireland is.” I suggest she opens an Irish restaurant in Vietnam as our intercultural ambassador. “I wish! That might be too complicated.”

Complication is absent from the menu at Pang, which is Vietnamese-inspired but a confident and modern interpretation.

Owner Barry Wallace used to work in fashion. The recession led him to set up a food stall on markets and then to a successful casual seafood restaurant in

Brussels. He now works as a restaurant consultant, coming up with ideas for new restaurants and sometimes setting them up himself. Pang represents a modern remix of Vietnamese food. There are hopes to open more in other locations in Ireland and the North. He is “obsessed with food”.

Barry continues, “I like creating new brands, new recipes. I love that creative process of making something unique”.

There’s certainly an eye for design and the visual. The rice paper rolls are stuffed full of fresh ingredients. Options are pho

spiced chicken, prawn and fennel, tofu and courgette, all with fresh herbs and noodles visible through the translucent exterior.

They come with different flavour bomb dips like orange soy or peanut hoisin and are super pretty.

They’re also healthy. Barry loved the rolls he had in Vietnam but says, “I thought there was a gap in the market for a healthier version”. The aim is to build up a whole combinatory range of these rolls with different dips, all of which can be made into salad bowls. Like lots on the menu, the pho here is vegan, infused with star anise. It’s particularly light, fragrant and super fresh. They do a version with chicken and both are topped with loads of fresh herbs, lime, chilli, sriracha and hoisin.

In case you’re worried that this might be a little bit too #fitfam for you, fear not. There’s certainly healthy food on the menu here, but it’s not food that will leave you hungry. Pang is also one of the few places in Dublin where you can get a proper banh mi and it is as tasty as it gets.

Barry sourced a Polish baker who is making the right kind of bread, a light baguette with a crust that shatters as you bite it. There are a range of fillings all loaded with traditional inhouse pickles, spicy mayo, fresh herbs and crispy onions. They do lemongrass chicken, beef brisket or tofu, and my favourite the mortadella and corned beef with pâté. There are cures for gout these days anyway.

Where Pho Viet is traditional, Pang is a more loose representation of Vietnamese cuisine. I ask Barry where he stands on authenticity.

“There are certain things I won’t bend the rules on, like the bread. Banh mi bread is really hard to source in Ireland. It’s not something that artisanal bread-makers are making. If we sell out of our Banh mi bread, I’m not running off to Dunnes or Tesco. The pickled carrots and daikon are all traditional Vietnamese. Where I would bend the rules is with a main ingredient.

You might have a bun cha salad bowl but with jerk chicken. The flavour profiles work together.”

So whether you like things old school or experimental, you won’t be short of tasty Vietnamese eats in Dublin these days. phoviet.ie lovepang.ie

Some other Vietnamese hotspots in the city: Aobaba

Capel Street Aobaba was jammed when I visited. The banh cuon [rice paper rolls filled with minced pork and black mushroom] are such a weird but good texture combination, especially with the addictive crispy onions. The pho is colourful, steaming, rich and zingy and you can order small or large bowls. They have top notch pancake and banh mi too. Have the bubble tea for more mouthfeel experiments.

Jolin’s Vietnamese Coffee House Portobello

A café-like spot on Clanbrassil Street, Jolin is family run and features an accessible pan-Asian menu with some key Vietnamese additions, including a rich, nourishing pho [both pho bo – beef and pho ga – chicken], delicious summer rolls [rice-paper rolls] with a fresh and spicy dip.

Try the spicy Vietnamese chicken salad and a potent Vietnamese coffee for after.

Vietnom

Stoneybatter The punderfully-named Vietnom started out as a stall at Electric Picnic. Founders Milly Murphy and Alex Gurnee set up shop in The Glimmerman in Stoneybatter Thursday to Sunday. They, like Pang, are a modern reinterpretation of Vietnamese food, taking the flavours as inspiration but creating sustainable, vegetarian Irish versions. The menu is fusion, but often includes banh mi and the greats.

Bun Cha

Moore Street This is Vietnamese on Moore Street, inspired by street food from Hanoi. Bun Cha is grilled pork and rice noodles, I guess a Vietnamese equivalent to our meat and two veg. They do a range of noodle soups including an oxtail pho and spicy bun bo hue, and a wonton version which looks swish.

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Words: Caitriona Devery

TOP 10 TOASTIES IN DUBLIN

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t’s almost Christmas, you’ve got to face the hordes to get your pressies, the Luas is jammed and ‘Fairytale in New York’ has been entirely ruined for you.

You’re sad because you used to love that song. What you need to do is take a little time out and find a snug spot to nourish your soul with our hero; the toastie.

Whether you fancy a traditional toasted special or something more bougie, here are 10 places to get your head unmelted with some molten cheese, and stuff.

Grogan’s

South William Street The Don of toasted sandwiches in Dublin, Grogan’s toastie is a straight up, no messing sandwich containing the four elements: ham, cheese, tomato, onion. Mustard and a pint of plain on the side. They could sometimes do with a little longer on the grill, but this is an institution and rightly so.

Clanbrassil Coffee Shop Clanbrassil Street

Clanbrassil House’s baby sister coffee shop does seriously good sandwiches of the more experimental variety. If you want to go off-piste for your toastie, you might as well do it in style. Their kimchi cheese toastie mixes Korean fermented cabbage with a stonking Crozier blue cheese. Trust me and try it. @clanbrassilhouse

The Royal Oak Kilmainham Another great cosy winter boozer, you might have to get the Luas to Heuston and peg it up the road a bit, but it’s worth it. They’ve only recently started doing toasties and they’re taking the traditional route. A pint bottle and some bacon fries on the side and everyone’s happy.

Market Kitchen Temple Bar Food Market Temple Bar food market is a treasure trove of ingredients, so it’s not surprising that the Market kitchen, who cook using food from the market, deliver great ‘Market Toasties’.

Something cheesy from the Corleggy stall features, with amazing Le Levain bread, and delicious extras all from a few metres away. @themarketkitchencafe

The Lord Edward Christchurch

Make your way upstairs immediately and relax in an upholstered, wood-beamed cocoon where the toasties are freeflowing. This is a place with the traditional ingredients, the toastie is good here and the pints are too. Sit, be snug and forget about Christmas entirely.

Wolf + Spoon Aungier Street Super spot to escape Stephen’s Green shopping centre. Their toasties start with traditional ham and cheese, but also have a tuna melt and salami and swiss options. Cosy, laid back and affordably delicious.

Meltdown Temple Bar

Once a pop-up, Dublin’s love of melted cheese has seen Meltdown become a permanent spot. Non-traditional toasties, but all with the gooey-ness you need. They have a vegan option, which is rare in the world of toasties. If you are really in a bad way, they do one with macaroni cheese and bacon. @meltdowndublin

Daniel

John Fallon’s ‘The Capstan Bar’ The Coombe If you can manage to get the barman to make you a toastie here, you get 100 points on the Game of Life, Dublin. Batch bread makes for legendary cheese sandwiches, but many a customer has been refused on the basis of “it’s too busy”. Perseverance is key.

147 Deli

Clanbrassil Street

Parnell Street

Clanbrassil Street seems to be the place to go if you’re looking for a swanky toastie.

Daniel is 3fE’s baby, so the coffee is superb, but they are focusing on the toastie. Last I heard they do a classic ham and cheese [cheddar and brie] and a black pudding and blue. Also the signage is beautiful, if you’re into that kind of thing.

As far as I know this place doesn’t have a toastie on the menu all the time, but they have a sandwich of the week that makes me want to hop on a bus every time they post it on Facebook. It’s regularly a melt; recently they had a turkey and chorizo version with taleggio cheese, n’duja mayo with rocket on sourdough.

@3fecoffee

@147deli

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e h t f 5o bes t & d o o f drink spots

Lists aren’t just for clickbait, they’re actually pretty practical sometimes. If you’re new to Dublin use these selections as a guide to the places you should hit up. We add new ideas to this index every month.

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BURGERS

FERMENTING

JAPANESE

Bujo Sandymount bujo.ie

Fia Rathgar Road fia.ie

Yamamori Tengu Great Strand St. yamamori.ie

Bunsen Wexford St., St. Anne St., Essex St. East & Ranelagh bunsen.ie

Meet Me in the Morning Pleasants St. mmim.ie

Michie Sushi Ranelagh michiesushi.com

Storyboard Islandbridge storyboardcoffee.com

The Ramen Bar South William St. theramenbar.ie

3fe Lower Grand Canal Quay 3fe.com

Musashi Capel St. musashidublin.com

The Fumbally Fumbally Lane thefumbally.ie

Ukiyo Exchequer St. ukiyobar.com

ICE CREAM

BRAZILIAN

Murphy’s Wicklow St. murphysicecream.ie

Plus 55 Bakery Bolton Street plus55bakery.ie

Scoop Aungier St. & Ranelagh scoopgelato.ie

Wigwam Middle Abbey Street wigwamdublin.com

Storm in a Teacup Skerries

Café Mineiro Crown Alley

Gino’s Grafton St., Henry St. & South Great Georges St. ginosgelato.com

Real Brasil Capel Street realbrasilfoods.com

Sun Bear Gelato Dawson St.

PIZZA

Jo’Burger Smithfield & Castle Market joburger.ie Wowburger Wellington Quay, Wexford St., Parnell St., Wicklow St. & Ranelagh Wowburger.ie Generator Hostel Smithfield Generatorhostels.com

MEXICAN Masa Lower Stephen St. masadublin.com 777 Georges St. 777.ie El Grito Merchant’s Arch Picado Mexican Pantry Richmond St. picadomexican.com Taco Taco Leeson St. Tacotacodublin.com

SEAFOOD Fish Shop Smithfield fish-shop.ie Rosa Madre Temple Bar rosamadre.ie Bastible South Circular Road bastible.com Klaw Temple Bar klaw.ie Catch-22 Clarendon St. catch-22.ie

OYSTERS East Café Bar/King Sitric Howth kingsitric.ie Seafood Café Temple Bar klaw.ie

COCKTAILS Drop Dead Twice Francis Street dropdeadtwice.com Delahunt Lower Camden Street delahunt.ie Drury Buildings Drury Street drurybuildings.com Peruke & Periwig Dawson Street peruke.ie The Liquor Rooms Wellington Quay theliquorrooms.com

CHINESE Lee’s Charming Noodles Parnell St. Hang Dai Camden St hangdaichinese.com Hilan Capel St.

Matt The Thresher Pembroke St. Lower mattthethresher.ie

Mak Ranelagh mak.ie

Oyster Bar at the Shelbourne St. Stephen’s Green shelbournedining.ie

Lee Kee Parnell St.

Coke Lane Pizza Lucky’s, Meath Street and Frank Ryan’s, Smithfield @cokelanepizza Big Blue Bus The Bernard Shaw, South Richmond Street thebernardshaw.com Dublin Pizza Co Aungier Street dublinpizzacompany.ie The Yarn Liffey Street Lower theyarnpizza.com Sano Exchange Street Upper sano.pizza

COFFEE Coffee Angel, A number of locations around the city coffeeangel.com Network, Aungier Street networkcafe.ie Two Boys Brew, North Circular Road twoboysbrew.ie Shoe Lane, Tara Street shoelanecoffee.ie Nick’s Coffee, Ranelagh @NicksCoffeeCo

The Bull & Castle Lord Edward St. fxbuckley.ie

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Irish Artist Spotlight:

K8OLO K

ate O’Loughlin, or k8olo as she’s artistically known, is a Brooklyn-based, Dublin-born and bred, messer turned illustrator. Her drawings are bold and bodacious whilst holding a gut of emotional weight. She creates a boisterous narrative in her work which features feminine figures as the protagonist. Her work represents her newfound skill of turning insecurities into strengths while encouraging the viewer see themselves in the narrative and to recognise familiarity and spur on unity. k8olo is a self confessed wally when it comes to expressing herself through words and each piece has become a letter to herself or to those around her. Having left behind a beloved network of friends and family in Dublin to progress as an artist in New York, her work has taken on the her affiliation with the lonesome cowboys she’s witnessed stateside, while not forgetting her roots as a cailín dána.

Her work has been presented at numerous exhibitions throughout Dublin. Kate owes a lot to her work alongside Dublin-based design company Kingston Lafferty Design, where she was encouraged to unite her textile background with illustration. KLD often features her work allowing her bold illustrations to be seen in all shapes and sizes throughout their projects around Dublin City.

Kate has a ‘jazz’ type approach when creating work. She believes this comes from merging a craft and design orientated upbringing with her education in Fine Art. She works using hand and digital drawing, collage, pattern making and uses wit, sexuality, love, or lack there of, as themes in each piece. The fierce females are often well dressed, (if at all) mimicking her brief time as a stylist in her temporary home town of New York.

“Id be nothing without Nialler, my big brother, blasting hiphop down me ears and giving me handme-down graffiti books at an early age. The pure cheekiness of both outlets have attracted me to make my work have a certain finesse.”

Kate is currently working on an ongoing project involving Dublin’s street football community and is designing merchandise which is available on her Instagram. @k8olo

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9 perfect Christmas drinks destinations and why you should go in 10 words or less

Get a tracksuit in the market and celebrate with pints.

Hear the bells of Patrick’s Cathedral and drink hot Whiskey.

Kris Kindle in smoking area and have some pizza too.

Welcome addition to the hustle and bustle of Aungier Street.

Spend your Christmas bonus on Espresso Martinis for Christ’s sake.

Northern Soul, pitchers and dancing in the middle of Dublin.

Get dressed up and treat yourself to some fancy cocktails.

Nothing says Happy Christmas like Whiskey sours and Flintstone’s ribs.

Christmas time, misteltoe and potentially some sort of grime DJ.

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A vinyl only bar providing a fairytale of Parnell Street.

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