Embark on a journey through the pulsating heart of Dublin's techno scene with DJ VKT. In this exclusive interview, VKT shares insights into his electrifying journey from the mid-2000s, where his passion for electronic music ignited, to his pivotal role in shaping the city's thriving nightlife culture.
Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, VKT's determination to keep the beats alive led to serendipitous encounters, including a fateful meeting with Mogo, culminating in the birth of their brainchild, Ketchup. Together with the addition of friend Luchi, Ketchup expanded its family, leaving an indelible mark on Dublin's party scene. Join us as we delve into the beats, rhythms, and revelations of DJ VKT's captivating journey.
(1) Hi VKT. Thank you for joining our Big Bells Digital interview sessions. Can you tell us about your journey as a DJ? What inspired you to get into the music industry and when?
Everything began back in the mid-2000s when I started listening to electronic music. It was love at the first sound! I completely hit it off with the beats and the whole culture, and lifestyle of music was completely out of track from what I used to listen to. Then around 2007 or 2008 I was fully addicted to surfing on web searching for crazy tunes from different styles such as dark progressive, minimal, and trance. Those nights gave me the knowledge and pumped me up to start my DJ life.
(2) Congratulations on the upcoming 2nd anniversary of Ketchup! How has the journey been building up this event series and what are your plans for the future?
Cheers man! Really appreciate that.
So during covid was a hard time for everyone, I was that time living by myself in Dublin City Centre and tired of being stuck at home I decided to open my house for friends to come over to my studio and with that I met too many people one of them was Mogo. We actually started following each other through Instagram, and we started to chat and like each other content, then I invited him to a party at my studio and he went and destroyed my gaff with his hypnotic powerful techno and l clicked straight away with him. Since then we kept talking and building up our friendship. In late 2021 I was playing on the radio with a weekly show but I intended to create more and start a proper party however COVID was on still at that time. Than January 22 I got a sudden message from a friend saying that he had a gig cancellation for Feb 27th and asked me if I was up to getting that day for me to run a night, I said yes straight away even though haven’t gotten any party plans I hadn’t run any party before in Dublin and we were only 2 months after covid … I said yes to him and I rang to Mogo on the same day, we had a meeting few days later than we created the our company. In 2023 Ketchup family grew with the addition of our friend Luchi which has had a positive impact on how we plan, execute and deliver our party.
(3) As a DJ and music producer based in Dublin, how do you perceive the electronic music scene evolving in Ireland, and what role do events like those organized by Ketchup play in shaping that scene?
This is a tricky question! Because I have been in Ireland for 5 years on the other hand 2 of these years were during covid. So I have 3 years only as a raver in the Emerald Island and what I could see was. Dublin is getting to be a huge techno spot in a few years! With so many collectives, too many talented DJs blowing up and big names landing weekly to clubs, we all are well serviced by good music and amazing venues. Ketchup and other collectives play shaping the scene and unlock creative people to be who they are, I met too many people who started djing after ketchup, started doing dance class, Chingford, etc art is plural and I think the scene helps people to go forward and never give up of their dreams.
Send us your demo music now!
(4) As someone deeply involved in both the creative and logistical aspects of the music industry, what advice would you give to aspiring DJs, producers, and event organizers who are looking to make their mark in the scene?
Well, my tips and advice are always to believe in yourself, study, practice, keep a good connection with people, and make yourself ready. We must do it for love!
(5) For the end, your current top 3 tracks are…?
VKT - Traffic (Arthur Quadros Remix)
Gustin & Around Us - Hang Tight
Filippos - Stray Man ft. Dimp
Follow VKT on his social media
Soundcloud // Spotify // Instagram
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