STORE MIX 112: CÉILÍ

Irish DJ and producer Céilí is carving out a unique space in electronic music, blending raw energy with deep-rooted influences from Ireland’s rich musical heritage. Known for pushing boundaries with high-intensity sets and eclectic selections, he brings a distinctive edge to the dance floor, seamlessly merging underground sounds with a sense of storytelling.

For LN-CC Store Mix 112, dive into the journey that shaped his artistry, the evolution of Irish electronic music, and the moments that have defined his career so far. From early inspirations to unforgettable sets, Céilí offers a glimpse into the mind of a DJ who’s not just playing music but creating a movement.

Can you tell us about the journey that led to you becoming a DJ? What was the turning point?

When I was very, VERY young, I realised my initials spelled DJM, and I made a deal with the devil there and then. I was just drawn to electronic music from a young age, always dishing tunes out on my shitty Sony Ericsson—remember infrared? Yikes. I loved making CDs for friends, hoovering up viruses on Limewire, and then I guess I first started with a dodgy laptop and DJ controller when I was 16. My dad was quite supportive of the idea of DJing, which was pretty cool looking back. And generally, I had a curiosity for sounds and music that weren’t so common in my surroundings, which led me to where I am today.

How did growing up in Ireland influence your approach to music and DJing?

Growing up in rural Ireland, I was exposed to a pretty unique social scene early on. From the age of 13, I went to a lot of discos that were a mix of underage drinking, dancing, and teenage drama. They were like unofficial meeting grounds for kids from different towns, outside of school and sports. Despite the chaos, those early experiences of euphoria and connection through music laid the first stones in my path.

What’s your process for curating a playlist for a live performance? Do you focus on specific moods or themes?

There’s always a certain mood present—we’re emotional beings, after all. I try not to let moods or themes dominate entirely, but they’re great fuel. It’s nice to start with a feeling and then let it go or transform, as they naturally do.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

I had three older brothers with madly different music tastes. One was into trance and hard dance, for example. That definitely shaped me. Influence is inevitable, but I like keeping myself stretched out and taking inspiration from unexpected places.

How do you stay connected with the Irish music scene while also pushing your sound globally?

I haven’t lived in Ireland for almost a decade, so I’m not as connected to the current scene. But it’s where I started, and that foundation will always be a part of me.

What’s the most memorable gig you've played, and why does it stand out for you?

One Sunday at Jaded, deep into the weekend, I was playing Jeff Mills’ Wrath of the Punisher. Something went wrong—either I skipped, or the needle did. The needle wasn’t on the record, and the room went silent for a moment before I managed to throw the needle back into a perfect groove. That split-second pause felt strangely natural, as if all the chaos in the room needed a little breather and that hiccup was a free handout. I love the power of mistakes—there’s truth to a mistake, and how a performer passes through one gives you deeper insight.

How do you see the evolution of Irish electronic music, and where do you think it’s headed?

It’s a lively and exciting scene, no matter the terms and conditions, but it could use more support, especially from the government. Outdated licensing laws and a lack of spaces are holding it back. With the right resources, it has the potential to thrive and make an even bigger impact globally.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs looking to make their mark in the industry?

Don’t be afraid to break the mould.

If you could swap places with any DJ for a day, past or present, who would it be and why?

Swapping places with a DJ sounds like a lot lol, but there’s a moment I love revisiting—Sven Väth at Tresor Park, Berlin, in 1998. I got into the footage while prepping this mix and felt urged to pull up Ricardo Villalobos’ tune Heike.

[Ref: https://youtu.be/EcokLwL9ozU?si=TXtDZEePeLcfKQNg]

Also, shoutout to that DJ Rush Riders of the Storm moment—another icon.

What’s one thing about the DJ scene that people might be surprised to know, or that they often get wrong?

People often think you have to follow the rules or stick to what’s been done before. But the magic happens when you break away from those expectations and explore new ideas. It’s about being aware of the past but not letting it limit your creativity.

Mála Ádh is a label you founded that mixes elements of Irish heritage with experimental techno. How does Mála Ádh blend its Irish roots with its experimental approach to electronic music?

Irish roots are ingrained—it’s something Mála Ádh carries visually. From little gimmicks in the artwork to the overall aesthetic, there’s that connection to the culture of Ireland. It’s not forced either, it’s just there. That essence seeps through in ways that feel natural.

What role do you play in shaping the direction of Mála Ádh and curating its diverse roster of artists?

I try to keep it honest and authentic.