We hook up with Techno Titan Phil Kieran and he swerves into his Indie/Electronica 2nd album

The Light EP is the globetrotting DJ’s first release of the year and it features three superb new tracks. He started Phil Kieran Recordings 14 months ago, and already has 12 releases under his belt with remixes from esteemed artists such as Adam Beyer, Green Velvet and Jamie Jones.

We hooked up with Kieran as he toils away on his as yet untitled second album project. Having released tunes on some of the world’s finest labels, how does it feel being your own boss?

“It’s been great, I am so glad I followed through with it, it is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in music. I have my own freedom musically for the first time.

I don’t have to convince label bosses that my music is 
up to scratch anymore; if it feels good to me I have a place to put it out.

“I also find myself being more 
creative than before. And regarding all the remix names I’ve as a result had the pleasure of working with – it is a dream 
come true for me.”

You seem to be enjoying collaborating with artists like Green Velvet and Speedy J, and you reworked a Gary Numan track I Can’t Stop recently. How did these projects come about?

“Each one has a different story. I’ve just been working really hard in the studio, and in the last year I’ve had more output than ever before and it all feels good. Green Velvet and Speedy J are both people I have got friendly with from traveling and DJing. I first knew their music as a teenager and a huge fan, so it’s a really great to be working with some heroes of mine.
“The Gary Numan connection came about from me sampling one of 
his first releases. I know a guy in his band called Ade Fenton who is also a DJ, so it was easier to clear the sample. Gary likes the track I made so that’s a bonus.”

Japanese Popstars, Psycatron, Cashier No9 and David Holmes are just some of the Northern artists who have been creating a big noise internationally. Can you explain why the Belfast scene is so healthy?

“No particular reason I can think of. There is so much happening. There seems to be a bit of a buzz here at the 
moment and I think there are some high standards being set, which means people have a good benchmark 
to aim for. For the small population here I think we really have something to be proud of with our achievements.”

Any news on the new album you are working on?

“I’m sure it’s the best thing I’ve done so far. I’m only a few weeks away from completion, am just at the final mixing stage and it all feels very exciting.

“I’m sure it’s not what people will expect from me. It’s all quite slow, very musical and song structured. I’m singing on most 
of the tracks but also have another male vocalist and two female vocalists, along with guitar, bass guitar, cello, 
live percussion , harmonica etc. All will be revealed very soon.”